Pollen Counts and Allergies Growing Rapidly

November 9, 2012 — According to a new study presented today at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), pollen counts are growing rapidly and will continue making seasonal allergies worse for the foreseeable future.

The study, authored by Leonard Bielory at Rutgers University, found that pollen counts will likely more than double by 2040. "Climate changes will increase pollen production considerably in the near future in different parts of the country," said Bielory. "Economic growth, global environment sustainability, temperature, and human-induced changes, such as increased levels of carbon dioxide, are all responsible for the influx that will continue to be seen."

Uncontrolled seasonal allergies are one factor contributing to the burden of asthma, which is also growing. Asthma is more common in people with obesity and more difficult to treat.

Read a report on this study in U.S. News & World Report here.