Dr. Anderegg and other climate researchers said they hope their work sparks tangible changes. One possibility, noted Dr. Anderegg, is better planning regarding urban vegetation, perhaps planting species that produce less pollen. Early-warning systems of high pollen counts are another idea.
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August 2022“Just having folks aware that pollen seasons are changing and starting earlier can be really big,” he said. “When I talk to a lot of allergists, I hear from them that many of the worst impacts happen when people get caught by surprise.”
Dr. Yan said she hopes prospective, longitudinal research will be done establishing the direct impact of climate change on CRS exacerbations. Once those connections are established, studying how immunological changes come about could help guide development of targeted therapies.
“We will likely be seeing even greater clinical collaboration amongst otolaryngologists, allergist-immunologists, and pulmonologists,” Dr. Yan said. “As physicians we may also end up with increased continuity of care in treating these patients as they return to our clinics, potentially on a seasonal basis despite prior medical or surgical therapies.”
Dr. Aguilera said that the new attention to air quality brought on by COVID-19 might be beneficial when it comes to climate effects. “There was more awareness regarding air quality and how particles are dispersed in different environments,” he said. “It wasn’t until the pandemic that we started to see increased attention on better filtering systems for schools, or better use of better protective barriers.”
“The big goal of this is awareness—awareness of patients that their environment can be a driver of some of these diseases,” Dr. Ramanathan said. “Also, awareness that climate change is real, there are downstream effects from it, and there’s a need for increased regulation of air quality to mitigate a real health hazard. I think that’s probably the most powerful message that can come out of this.”
Thomas R. Collins is a freelance medical writer based in Florida.
Treating Patients in the Climate Change Era
Heavier pollen count and more frequent and thicker smoke from wildfires, coupled with more heat and humidity, are concerns for patients with allergies and chronic rhinosinusitis, and for the physicians who treat them. Aside from collaborating with allergist– immunologists and pulmonologists for optimal management amid adverse environmental conditions, here are ideas for clinical otolaryngologists to suggest to their patients:
- Monitor air quality. Ratings of daily air quality are more easily attainable than ever, especially on smartphone weather apps. When quality is considered suboptimal, patients who are at risk can take more precautions.
- Wear a mask outdoors. When conditions dictate, patients could wear masks, which is already not uncommon in countries with considerable pollution. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this a more acceptable option to many people as well, although some patients may not find this a palatable solution.
- Use an air purifier at home. This is another tool that has become more commonplace during the COVID-19 pandemic.