Scott Commins, MD, PhD, Discusses Climate Change’s Impact on Allergies
Scott Commins, MD, PhD, discusses the implications of climate change on allergies at the 2025 AAAAI meeting, revealing increased pollen levels and tick-related allergies. He emphasizes the emergence of pollen food syndrome and alpha-gal syndrome, urging healthcare providers to remain alert to these rising issues stemming from environmental changes.
Scott Commins, MD, PhD, from the University of North Carolina, noted that climate change is exacerbating pollen and tick-related allergies during the AAAAI annual meeting held in San Diego from February 28 to March 3, 2025. He highlighted that increased pollen levels are associated with heightened allergy cases and contribute to conditions like pollen food syndrome, where food allergies arise due to cross-reactivity with pollen.
Additionally, Commins pointed out a significant rise in alpha-gal syndrome, which is linked to meat allergies and triggered by tick bites. This increase is attributed to warmer winters enhancing deer migration and bringing ticks into new areas, putting more individuals at risk. This trend has been observed in the United States, Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia.
The intersection of environmental changes and allergies is becoming a critical area of research and concern, prompting a need for healthcare providers to be vigilant in identifying related conditions such as eczema and food allergies. Commins urged that awareness and diagnosis of these conditions are paramount as they continue to rise due to climate factors.
In summary, climate change is significantly impacting allergy prevalence, particularly through increased pollen counts and the spread of tick-related alpha-gal syndrome. Scott Commins, MD, PhD, calls for heightened awareness among healthcare providers to recognize the growing interconnectedness of environmental shifts and allergic responses. This necessitates ongoing research and vigilance in diagnosing affected individuals.
Original Source: www.hcplive.com
