Climate-Induced Respiratory Challenges: Understanding Allergic Reactions and Asthma Caused by Pollen Allergens

##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.sidebar##

Published Feb 10, 2024
https://doi.org/10.70436/nuijb.v3i02.165
Download
PDF 29
Statistic

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.
2024: ICCC (Special Issue)

##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.main##

Sehrish Malik
Sameen Ahmed Malik
Jia Hou Tan
Arifullah Zia

Abstract

‌In recent years, the impact of climate change on our environment has become increasingly evident. Human activities, particularly the rise in atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, are key contributors to this shift. These changes in climate, combined with global warming, have notable effects on weather patterns, influencing the quantity, intensity, and frequency of precipitation. Additionally, climate change is linked to a heightened occurrence of extreme events such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and hurricanes. A significant concern is the intricate relationship between climate change and respiratory health. In this review, we highlight the association between climate change and respiratory allergies, increased prevalence and severity of asthma, and related allergic diseases. The alterations brought about by climate change significantly contribute to the development of allergic respiratory diseases and asthma. This impact extends to pollen allergies, with changes in their onset, duration, and intensity attributed to climate change. Studies indicate that plants respond to elevated atmospheric CO2 levels with enhanced photosynthesis and reproductive effects, resulting in increased pollen production. Pollen allergies provide valuable insights into the interplay between air pollution and allergic respiratory diseases like rhinitis and asthma. Recognizing the broader health implications, it becomes crucial to address the underlying causes. Implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions emerges not only as a pivotal step in mitigating climate change but also as a proactive approach with positive health benefits. The need for a comprehensive strategy is underscored by the interconnectedness of environmental and public health concerns in the face of a changing climate.

Keywords

Climate, change, Asthma, Respiratory, allergy, Allergenic, pollen

##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.details##

How to Cite
Malik, S., Malik, S. A., Tan, J. H., & Zia, A. (2024). Climate-Induced Respiratory Challenges: Understanding Allergic Reactions and Asthma Caused by Pollen Allergens. Nangarhar University International Journal of Biosciences, 3(02), 53–56. https://doi.org/10.70436/nuijb.v3i02.165

References

  1. Anenberg, S. C., Weinberger, K. R., Roman, H., Neumann, J. E., Crimmins, A., Fann, N., Martinich, J., & Kinney, P. L. (2017). Impacts of oak pollen on allergic asthma in the United States and potential influence of future climate change. Geohealth, 1(3), 80–92.
  2. Ayejoto, D. A., Agbasi, J. C., Nwazelibe, V. E., Egbueri, J. C., & Alao, J. O. (2023). Understanding the connections between climate change, air pollution, and human health in Africa: Insights from a literature review. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A, 41(3–4), 77–120.
  3. Crowley, L. M., Sadler, J., Pritchard, J., & Hayward, S. a. L. (2021). Elevated CO2 Impacts on Plant–Pollinator Interactions: A Systematic Review and Free Air Carbon Enrichment Field study. Insects, 12(6), 512.
  4. D’Amato, G., Cecchi, L., Bonini, S., Nunes, C. P., Annesi‐Maesano, I., Behrendt, H., Liccardi, G., Popov, T. A., & Van Cauwenberge, P. (2007). Allergenic pollen and pollen allergy in Europe. Allergy, 62(9), 976–990.
  5. D’Amato, G., Vitale, C., Lanza, M., Molino, A., & D’Amato, M. (2016). Climate change, air pollution, and allergic respiratory diseases: an update. Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 16(5), 434–440.
  6. Gent, J. F. (2003). Association of Low-Level ozone and fine particles with respiratory symptoms in children with asthma. JAMA, 290(14), 1859.
  7. Haines, A., & Ebi, K. L. (2019). The imperative for climate action to protect health. The New England Journal of Medicine, 380(3), 263–273.
  8. McConnell, R., Berhane, K., Gilliland, F. D., London, S. J., Islam, T., Gauderman, W. J., Avol, E. L., Margolis, H. G., & Peters, J. (2002). Asthma in exercising children exposed to ozone: a cohort study. The Lancet, 359(9304), 386–391.
  9. Singer, B. D., Ziska, L. H., Frenz, D. A., Gebhard, D. E., & Straka, J. G. (2005). Research note: Increasing Amb a 1 content in common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) pollen as a function of rising atmospheric CO2 concentration. Functional Plant Biology, 32(7), 667.
  10. Solomon, C. G., & LaRocque, R. C. (2019). Climate change—a health emergency. New England Journal of Medicine, 380(3), 209-211.
  11. Tong, S., Beggs, P. J., Davies, J. M., Fan, J., Kinney, P. L., Liu, S., Yin, Y., & Ebi, K. L. (2022). Compound impacts of climate change, urbanization and biodiversity loss on allergic disease. International Journal of Epidemiology, 52(3), 655–663.
  12. Traidl‐Hoffmann, C., Kasche, A., Menzel, A., Jakob, T., Thiel, M., Ring, J., & Behrendt, H. (2003). Impact of pollen on human health: more than allergen carriers? International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, 131(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1159/000070428
  13. Watts, N., Amann, M., Arnell, N. W., Ayeb‐Karlsson, S., Belesova, K., Berry, H., Bouley, T., Boykoff, M., Byass, P., Cai, W., Campbell-Lendrum, D., Chambers, J., Daly, M., Dasandi, N., Davies, M., Depoux, A., Domínguez-Salas, P., Drummond, P., Ebi, K. L., . . . Costello, A. (2018). The 2018 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: shaping the health of nations for centuries to come. The Lancet, 392(10163), 2479–2514.
  14. Wayne, P. M., Foster, S., Connolly, J., Bazzaz, F. A., & Epstein, P. R. (2002). Production of allergenic pollen by ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) is increased in CO2-enriched atmospheres. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 88(3), 279–282.