For millions of people, seasonal allergies are becoming more than a short-lived spring nuisance. Researchers now say climate change is reshaping pollen seasons across Europe, extending the time many people spend dealing with sneezing, itchy eyes and congestion.
The findings come from a major review of climate-related health impacts published in The Lancet. After examining evidence from across Europe, researchers concluded that warming temperatures are causing several common tree species to release pollen earlier than in previous decades, while pollen levels have also increased in some regions, reports News Medical.
Earlier and stronger
According to the review, pollen seasons for trees including birch, alder and olive began between one and two weeks earlier during 2015-2024 than they did between 1991 and 2000.
Researchers also identified increases in seasonal pollen intensity of around 15 to 20 percent in parts of southern England, northern France, Germany and eastern Europe.
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Those shifts could leave allergy sufferers with symptoms for significantly longer each year. Health experts have increasingly linked changing weather patterns, rising temperatures and longer growing seasons to higher pollen exposure.
The World Allergy Organization estimates that allergic diseases continue to affect a growing share of the global population, with hay fever among the most common conditions.
Everyday support
The research itself focused on the health impacts of climate change rather than treatments. However, in material accompanying the findings, The Fruit Juice Science Centre highlighted comments from public health nutritionist Dr. Frankie Philips, who said some everyday foods may help support the body's response to inflammation linked to seasonal allergies.
Among the examples mentioned were foods naturally rich in vitamin C and quercetin, including citrus fruits, apples, onions, berries and broccoli, alongside peppermint tea, honey and dark chocolate.
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The organisation noted that these foods should be viewed as part of a balanced diet and not as a substitute for medical advice or prescribed allergy treatment.
Beyond the weather
Scientists say the changing pollen season is another example of how climate change is affecting public health in ways that extend beyond heatwaves and extreme weather.
As temperatures continue to rise, researchers expect seasonal patterns across Europe to keep shifting, potentially increasing the burden for people living with allergies.
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