Pollen allergy season has been getting longer and more intense due to climate change, causing misery for those with allergies. However, another type of allergy threat is also worsening – stinging insect allergies. As the climate warms, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and bees are appearing in new areas and in greater numbers, posing a significant risk to human health.
Insect allergies are less common than pollen sensitivity but can cause severe complications, including anaphylaxis. According to the CDC, 72 people die from insect allergies each year, while thousands are sent to emergency rooms annually. Many doctors are unaware of how to diagnose and treat insect allergies, making it difficult for those affected to receive proper care.
Warmer winters and earlier springs allow insects like yellow jackets and hornets to survive and thrive, leading to an increase in stinging insect allergies. Climate change is also causing previously inhospitable areas to become habitable for certain species, such as fire ants. Allergies from these insects can be managed with precautions like reducing skin exposure, inspecting homes for nests, and avoiding areas where they live.
However, stinging insect venom can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which affects 3% of adults and 1% of children. Many people don’t know they’re allergic until they’ve been bitten or stung. Experts are calling for more research on insect allergies and increased awareness among the public.
Climate change is also exacerbating other environmental threats in Alaska, where residents are experiencing high levels of pollen, mold, and wildfires. These factors can interact and worsen each other’s effects, creating a complex web of health problems. To mitigate these issues, it’s essential to slow down climate change by reducing fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
As the situation continues to evolve, experts urge caution and vigilance among those affected by stinging insect allergies. By working together, we can better understand and address this growing concern.
Source: https://www.vox.com/climate/408287/allergy-season-insects-pollen-climate-change