At AAAAI 2025, Dr. Scott Commins discussed how climate change is intensifying pollen and tick-related allergies. He noted the increase in pollen levels contributing to pollen food syndrome and a rise in alpha-gal syndrome due to expanded tick populations from migrating deer. This intersection of environmental changes and allergies calls for heightened awareness in healthcare provision.
Scott Commins, MD, PhD, from the University of North Carolina, presented that climate change is significantly exacerbating pollen and tick-related allergies at the 2025 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAAI) meeting. This increase in pollen levels is leading to a rise in allergies, contributing to phenomena such as pollen food syndrome, where food allergies manifest due to cross-reactivity with pollen.
Moreover, the prevalence of alpha-gal syndrome, which is associated with meat allergies, has also increased. Dr. Commins indicated that the warming winters have encouraged deer migration, facilitating the spread of ticks into previously unaffected areas. This expansion of ticks elevates the risk of alpha-gal syndrome among communities.
The doctor emphasized the intersection of environmental changes and allergies, which is becoming more apparent in diagnostics. He urged healthcare providers to remain vigilant for emerging cases of eczema, food allergies, and alpha-gal syndrome, as these conditions are increasingly prevalent due to climate change. Overall, the emphasis is on adapting to the evolving landscape of allergies in the face of environmental shifts.
The insights shared by Dr. Scott Commins at the AAAAI 2025 meeting highlight the increasing impact of climate change on allergies. The rise in pollen and tick-related allergies necessitates awareness and vigilance among healthcare providers to diagnose and manage these conditions effectively. The potential connection between environmental changes and allergic responses underscores the urgency to address climate-related health issues.
Original Source: www.hcplive.com
