Climate Change and Rhinitis: What Does the Future Hold?
摘要
Climate change and air pollution have a growing impact on human health. This impact is particularly evident in rhinitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa that has increased in both prevalence and severity globally. Rhinitis worsens quality of life, increases healthcare utilization, and contributes to indirect economic costs. Emerging evidence demonstrates that rising temperatures, intensified extreme weather events such as wildfires and flooding, and poor air quality are contributing factors in the increased prevalence of rhinitis. This work aims to characterize the impact of climate change and air pollution on allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, emphasizing clinical implications. A focused review of current evidence on geographical variations of projected clinical impacts by continent was conducted. We also outline future directions that clinicians can take to mitigate disease burden and advocate for sustainability in the healthcare sector.
Recent FindingsClimate change and air pollution have confounding effects on rhinitis. Warming temperatures, extreme weather events, and increased air particulate matter contribute to global changes in pollen burden and exacerbation of rhinitis symptoms. The effects on allergic rhinitis are not evenly distributed as there is geographic variability in changing pollen exposure across the globe.
SummaryClimate change and air pollution have a growing impact on human health, affecting allergic and non-allergic rhinitis prevalence, severity, and healthcare utilization worldwide. Therefore, ongoing physician advocacy is imperative. Through research, patient education, and global collaboration, healthcare providers can help mitigate the effects of climate change on public health.