The Impact of Environmental Pollution and Climate Change on Allergic Rhinitis and Lung Diseases

ABSTRACT Environmental pollution and climate change seriously affect human health, leading to the onset and exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases, such as allergic rhinitis and lung diseases. Over the past several decades, increasing air pollution and environmental exposure owing to global urbanization, industrialization, and rapid economic growth have led to an increase in the prevalence of allergic and respiratory diseases. Allergic rhinitis and lung diseases are global health problems affecting people of all ages. This article summarizes the effects of environmental pollution and accompanying climate change on allergic rhinitis and lung diseases and discusses the interactions between the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis and lung diseases and environmental pollution. The molecular mechanisms of allergic rhinitis and lung diseases and their common features are discussed. The prevention and control measures of allergic rhinitis and lung diseases caused by air pollution and climate change are described. Given that climate change could bring about numerous unforeseen and enduring impacts on allergic respiratory conditions, healthcare practitioners ought to champion efficient measures for mitigation and adaptation to curtail its adverse effects on respiratory health.