Scott Commins, MD, PhD, discussed the impact of climate change on allergy prevalence at the AAAAI 2025 meeting. He noted rising pollen levels lead to increased pollen allergies and food allergies via cross-reactivity. He also indicated that warmer winters are contributing to the growth of tick populations responsible for alpha-gal syndrome, affecting an increasing number of individuals.
At the 2025 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAAI) annual meeting in San Diego, Scott Commins, MD, PhD, from the University of North Carolina emphasized the connection between climate change and increased allergies, particularly pollen and tick-related allergies. He elaborated on his session titled “The Global Impact of Climate Change on Food Allergy,” which highlights how rising pollen levels can contribute to various allergic reactions, including food allergies through a phenomenon known as pollen food syndrome.
Dr. Commins explained that climate change has caused a significant rise in pollen levels. This increase leads to more severe pollen allergies and introduces complexities such as the cross-reactivity of food allergies. He stated, “One of the effects of that is something we call pollen food syndrome.”
Moreover, the prevalence of alpha-gal syndrome, which is associated with meat allergies following tick bites, has surged in recent years. “We think one of the biggest is the warmer winters have led to increased deer migration,” noted Dr. Commins. This expansion brings ticks into new areas, elevating the risk of alpha-gal syndrome among populations.
The rise in tick populations is not unique to the United States; it is also occurring in Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia, raising concerns about increasing alpha-gal syndrome diagnoses. Dr. Commins highlighted the need for healthcare providers to remain vigilant and to recognize the growing intersection of environmental changes and allergic conditions. He emphasized, “We have to maintain an openness to finding more and more patients that are suffering from both eczema, food allergies, and even the mammalian meat allergy Alpha gal syndrome.”
In summary, climate change significantly impacts allergy prevalence, particularly through increased pollen levels and tick populations, which contribute to phenomena such as pollen food syndrome and alpha-gal syndrome. Healthcare professionals are urged to be attentive to these emerging trends and diagnoses to better support affected individuals. Dr. Commins’ insights underline the necessity for ongoing awareness and adaptability within the medical community regarding allergies and their environmental links.
Original Source: www.hcplive.com
