Allergist and pediatrician dr Małgorzata Makowska recently appeared on TVP Warszawa’s morning program, where she discussed how climate change affects the development and severity of allergies. In a highly accessible manner, she explained why warmer winters lead to a dangerously prolonged pollen season, which now starts as early as January.
She provided examples of plants—such as birch, hazel, and alder — that have caused significant problems for allergy sufferers this year. Additionally, she clarified that while the yellow pine pollen that settles on windowsills may look alarming, it is not as strong an allergen as the pollen of other trees.
Dr Makowska also highlighted how easy it is to mistake an allergy for a cold, especially when unpredictable weather weakens our immune system. Runny nose and sneezing can be symptoms of both an infection and an allergic reaction, but a distinctive feature of allergies is persistent itching of the eyes, throat, and palate, often accompanied by sneezing fits.
During the interview, cross-allergies were also discussed—conditions in which the body reacts to similar allergens found in both birch pollen and raw fruits such as apples or pears. According to Dr. Makowska, while medication can alleviate symptoms, allergen immunotherapy, commonly known as desensitization, may be the key to improving quality of life. This treatment typically extends over several years.
Dr Małgorzata Makowska offers pediatric allergy consultations on Thursdays from 9:00 to 11:00. We hope that with the support of an allergy specialist, pollen season will become less of a burden, turning each spring day into an opportunity for joy rather than a reason for sneezing.
The full interview is available at the link below between the 19th and 26th minute:
🔗 Watch the interview on TVP VOD
