Allergy season forever? How pollution is extending the sneezes

It's not your imagination— sneezing, watery eyes, and stuffy noses seem to be sticking around far longer than they used to. Once limited to spring or early summer, allergy season today feels like a year-round affair. And the main culprit behind this never-ending cycle? Pollution.

- TDG NETWORK

For years, scientists believed allergies were primarily triggered by seasonal pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. But with rising pollution levels, urban living, and climate change, allergens are no longer confined to particular months. In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, smog and dust have turned the air into a persistent irritant, creating a perfect storm for respiratory distress.

THE POLLUTED AIR-POLLEN CONNECTION

Air pollution doesn't just make it harder to breathe— it actually amplifies allergies. Pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) alter the outer coating of pollen grains, making them more fragile and more likely to burst. This releases smaller allergenic particles that can penetrate deeper into the lungs, triggering severe reactions even in people who previously showed mild symptoms.