Chasing Life Why Allergies Are Getting Worse
19 snips
Mar 20, 2026 
Zachary Rubin, a pediatric allergist and immunologist and author of All About Allergies, explains why allergies are on the rise and how they develop. He discusses climate and microbiome factors, how clinicians test and treat allergic reactions, and practical tips for managing food-dependent anaphylaxis and navigating food labeling.
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Get Tested And Consider Immunotherapy
- See an allergist if OTC medicines fail for seasonal allergies and consider immunotherapy as a disease-modifying option.
- Rubin recommends formal testing to identify triggers and offers allergy shots to retrain the immune system and reduce future risk.
Climate Change Is Making Allergies Worse
- Rising global CO2 and warming extend pollen seasons and increase pollen production, driving higher allergy rates.
- Dr. Zachary Rubin links longer pollen release and higher counts to climate change, increasing allergic disease prevalence in the U.S..
Early Microbiome Changes Raise Allergy Risk
- Early-life microbiome disruptions (antibiotics, antacids, C-sections) alter microbial exposure and may raise allergy risk.
- Rubin explains babies miss birth-canal bacteria and that skin and gut flora help train immune tolerance to exposures.
