If you find yourself constantly battling with allergies that seem to last longer than ever before, you’re not alone. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, recently shared some critical insights with Sara Sidner on CNN News Central about why seasonal allergies are becoming increasingly persistent. Whether it’s itchy eyes, relentless sneezing, or ongoing congestion, understanding these changes can help you manage your symptoms more effectively.

Dr. Gupta noted a significant increase in the number of people struggling with fall allergies. He explained, “As the weather changes and gets warmer outside, that first frost is delayed, leading to a cascade of events.” This observation is supported by Dr. Sanjiv Sur, Director of Allergy and Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine, who has confirmed, “There’s no question [that] as there’s global warming, the pollen season is increasing.”

The impact of climate change is evident in the lengthening of allergy seasons across various cities in the United States. Dr. Gupta explained, “Cities across America are going to have much longer allergy seasons. In Reno, for example, 99 days longer; in Atlanta, where I live, 33 days longer; up in New York, 21 days longer.” Dr. Christina Price, a Yale Medicine allergist and immunologist, adds, “Most people don’t have an immune response to pollen, but a certain percentage of people’s immune systems see it as foreign and dangerous, and they treat it like a pathogen.”

The economic burden of seasonal allergies is substantial. One study estimates that treating seasonal allergies in the U.S. costs around $3.4 billion annually. Dr. Price explains, “One aspect of allergies is that you can be really tired or fatigued, so it wipes you out,” highlighting how productivity can be significantly affected.

Beyond the discomfort, pollen exposure has more severe health implications. Recent research indicates that pollen and other allergens can damage DNA in the nasal cavity and lungs, leading to inflammation and potentially triggering asthma attacks. These allergens are a common cause of asthma-related emergency visits, which could increase significantly due to climate change.

Dr. Gupta warns, “By the end of the century, the prediction is that we’ll have basically 200% higher pollen counts over the next 75 years or so.” He emphasizes the severity by noting, “One ragweed plant releases about a billion grains of pollen. One plant does. So just imagine if those plants grow and continue to spread for a much longer time.” This escalation isn’t just inconvenient; it poses a public health risk. EPA studies have linked between 35,000 and 60,000 asthma-related emergency department visits to pollen, with a projected 14% increase by 2090.

Distinguishing between allergies and viral infections is crucial for effective treatment. Dr. Gupta advises, “When you’re thinking about allergies versus viral infections, there are many overlapping symptoms, but fever and full body aches and pains are pretty much indicative of a viral infection.” This aligns with guidance from NIH’s Dr. Teresa Hauguel, who states, “If you know what you have, you won’t take medications that you don’t need, that aren’t effective, or that might even make your symptoms worse.”

The broader implications of worsening allergies underscore a critical connection to climate change. Dr. Mary Margaret Johnson of Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health highlights, “Worsening allergies highlight the fact that our health—even if you just have a pollen allergy—is being impacted by climate change.”

Understanding these evolving conditions and taking proactive measures can help you better manage your seasonal allergies, which are becoming more challenging to handle. With longer seasons, higher pollen counts, and increasing health risks, staying informed and prepared is more crucial than ever.

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Donna Hofmeister, a 54-year-old nurse from Delaware, always envisioned a lifelong intimate connection with her husband. “I was someone that would always say to my husband, ‘I want to be doing it when we’re 80,’” she shares. However, as she entered perimenopause, her once vibrant libido began to wane, leaving her feeling disconnected.

Hofmeister’s experience is featured in the documentary “The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause,” which explores the often-overlooked issue of low libido during menopause. For Hofmeister, the decline in sexual interest coincided with increasing midlife responsibilities. Despite efforts to rekindle the spark through regular date nights, her desire remained absent. “I still wasn’t interested,” she admits.

Low libido is a common symptom of perimenopause and menopause, affecting many women. Dr. Lauren Streicher, host of “Dr. Streicher’s Inside Information: The Menopause Podcast,” explains, “It’s actually the most common of all sexual problems.” Dr. Kelly Casperson, a urologist, concurs, stating that low libido affects at least 40% of women during this life stage.

Several factors contribute to diminished sexual desire during menopause, making it a complex issue. “You can’t point to one thing that causes women to have a low libido,” Streicher notes. Hormonal shifts, psychological stress, and social pressures can all play a role. Casperson emphasizes the importance of considering psychological and social factors before seeking medication, asking her patients about their relationships and stress levels.

There are various treatments available to address hormonal changes associated with menopause. Localized vaginal estrogen can alleviate symptoms like dryness and pain, which often deter women from sexual activity. “One of the big reasons that women stop being sexually active is pain with penetration,” says Casperson. Vaginal estrogen is available in several forms and has shown to be effective in improving vaginal moisture.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is another option that can help improve libido by addressing symptoms such as hot flashes and poor sleep. Dr. Mary Jane Minkin highlights the benefits of HRT, noting that it can lead to women feeling more rested and comfortable. If these treatments are insufficient, testosterone may be prescribed to boost sexual interest, although it requires careful dosing.

Experts caution against the use of testosterone pellets due to potential side effects. “Pellets are not FDA-approved. They are unregulated,” Streicher warns. High doses can lead to unwanted changes such as facial hair growth and voice deepening.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is another issue that can cause pain during intercourse, necessitating physical therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy and sex therapy are also recommended to address the psychological aspects of low libido. Streicher advises women with low libido to consider speaking with a sex therapist to address relationship dynamics.

Hofmeister’s journey through perimenopause was fraught with challenges, including weight gain, joint pain, and mood changes. She initially struggled to find the right treatment, but eventually found relief with a combination of HRT and vaginal estrogen. “The vaginal estrogen has been really helpful for me,” she says, emphasizing the importance of sharing her experience to help others.

By opening up about her struggles, Hofmeister hopes to encourage others to seek help and not suffer in silence. “I physically feel better, and I am an open book,” she declares. Her story highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of menopause-related changes and the available treatments.

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Our lungs play a crucial role in maintaining our overall health, yet many of us overlook the possibility of enhancing their function. While these vital organs are naturally self-cleaning, there are several strategies you can adopt to support their efficiency, especially in environments filled with pollutants like pollen, chemicals, and secondhand smoke.

For those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cystic fibrosis, a lung cleanse can be particularly beneficial. Likewise, individuals who smoke heavily or use inhaled medications might find relief through these practices.

One of the simplest ways to support lung health is through lifestyle changes. By reducing exposure to pollutants and ensuring clean air in your living spaces, you can help your lungs perform better.

Incorporating specific exercises can also aid in lung health. Although many people don’t consider the lungs as something that can be exercised, certain activities can help them work more effectively.

Hydration plays a role in keeping mucus thin, making it easier for the lungs to expel it. Drinking plenty of water is a straightforward way to assist your lungs in this natural cleansing process.

Practicing deep breathing exercises can also be beneficial. These exercises encourage full oxygen exchange and can help clear out the lungs, promoting better lung capacity and function.

Another method to support lung health is through the use of steam therapy. Inhaling steam can open up airways and help the lungs drain mucus more effectively.

For smokers or those frequently exposed to smoke, quitting or reducing exposure can significantly enhance lung health. “A lung cleanse may be helpful for individuals who have a health condition that causes breathing difficulties, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cystic fibrosis.”

Finally, consider incorporating antioxidant-rich foods into your diet. These can help combat inflammation and support overall lung health, providing a natural boost to your respiratory system.

By implementing these strategies, you can help your lungs cleanse themselves more efficiently and breathe easier.

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