Mattias Götberg with son Björn, Reimersholme: “I’m not allergic, but if it’s increasing due to climate change, it sounds alarming. I have to make sure to keep my eyes and nose open – or closed!”
Fanny Cassel
Nasal congestion, fatigue and headache. More and more people are becoming allergic to pollen – and soon it will strike again.
The number of people with pollen allergies has increased sharply since the 90s, and research from Uppsala University shows a connection to the warmer climate.
In total, it is estimated that around 25 percent of the population is allergic to pollen today – an increase of
25 percent since 1990.
– What we saw in the study was a clear increase in people who tested positive for pollen allergy since the climate became warmer, says Christer Janson, allergist at the Academic Hospital in Uppsala.
– There is also a similar study from Switzerland that shows the same thing.
More pollen in the air means increased exposure and thus more allergy sufferers, in addition the season extends over a longer period of time. In April and May, we notice the deciduous trees the most.
Instead of syringes
– The positive thing is that there are greater opportunities to help people with pollen allergies now than before. There are good symptom-relieving drugs both on prescription and over-the-counter.
– Then there is vaccination where you get the body used to what you are allergic to, now there is the medicine as tablets instead of syringes so it is very good.
At what age does pollen allergy usually start?
– From school age up to young adult. It is unusual to get it in the middle of life, but is relatively common among people who move from another country to Sweden and are suddenly exposed to a lot of birch pollen.
Why do we become allergic to pollen?
– Well, now we get into the difficult questions! We develop a type of antibody called IgE, which we think is actually for keeping parasites away, but since we don’t have that many parasites today, the antibodies find other things, for example that pollen is dangerous.
Recently, it has been cold and muggy in Stockholm, which has meant lower pollen levels. The warmth and sun that many long for also comes with a price.
– Right now quite low concentrations of birch pollen, but it will increase when it gets warmer again.
Are you allergic to pollen? Do you know many people who are?
Mimi Hjorthén, Hornstull: You see that in me, right? You notice that it starts earlier every year. I don’t know if many others in my circle of friends are allergic, but it sure is.
Fanny Cassel
Mattias Götberg with son Björn, Reimersholme: “I’m not allergic, but if it’s increasing due to climate change, it sounds alarming. I have to make sure to keep my eyes and nose open – or closed!”
Fanny Cassel
Marit Svälas, Oslo resident visiting Stockholm: “I’m allergic to pollen, I actually started taking my medicine today! My allergy has been coming for the last four or five years. I know quite a few people who are allergic.”
Fanny Cassel
30,000 people participated
The study covered three cities in Sweden and a number of countries around the Nordic region.
In total, the study covered 30,000 people and ran from the late 90s until 2008.
The data was compared with studies where temperature changes were looked at since the 70s and a correlation was then seen between increased pollen allergy and climate change.
In Switzerland, a similar study has been carried out and the same results were obtained.
Source: In the middle of
