The World Health Organization says climate change will affect the social and environmental foundations of health. The poor may be in the worst position to deal with warming, as endemic malaria and other diseases spread. However, the effect will be more subtle in North America because of higher living standards. Perhaps you should ask your doctor whether climate change is affecting your allergic reactions.
If You Have Respiratory Problems Ask Your Doctor
Kaiser Health News wrote about this concern on July 19, 2019. They told the story of a middle-aged patient who moved to Boston from Florida after he could no longer take the heat. He consulted a pulmonologist after he feared the heat and humidity of summer.
That’s because Howard has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of his lungs, and humidity and heat make it worse. After he reluctantly agreed to start using portable oxygen a friend suggested ask your doctor is climate change making this worse for you? When he did, his doctor replied “The overall trend of the hotter summers that we’re seeing is due to climate change.” There is more pollen and the allergy season is lasting longer.
Leading American Medical Associations Call for Action
American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and American Heart Association asked the U.S. government to intervene in June 2019. However, they are not alone. The World Health Organization calls climate change “the greatest health challenge of the 21st century.”
Kaiser Health News explains how climate change is different “Because an individual patient can’t prevent it. There is no concrete list of “do’s” – as in wear a seat belt, use sunscreen and get exercise – or “do not’s” as in don’t smoke, don’t drink too much.” Physicians talk about things like smoking, but Kaiser Health News adds how many mention global warming?
Perhaps you should ask your doctor about climate change if your allergic reactions are troubling you more. This is not medical advice, just common sense and it could answer your concerns.
Related
Lancet 2018 Health and Climate Report
Eurasian Climate Change – Russia
Preview Image: Pollen on a Hollyhock Flower
