Pollen season poses greater risk for people with COPD
New study shows higher pollen exposure linked to decreased lung function
Miami (August 25, 2026) - Increased exposure to pollen negatively impacts the lung function of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study in the July 2026 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open access journal.
COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, affects more than 30 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Environmental triggers, such as exposure to aeroallergens like pollen, can increase airway inflammation and symptom burden and decrease airflow in people with respiratory diseases.
Climate change is also a contributing factor as higher temperatures and decreases in precipitation lead to higher concentrations of pollen in the air and may extend the pollen season from the typical March to October.
This study examined 30 former smokers with moderate or severe COPD who lived in the Boston area. Participants measured their lung function at home daily in up to four nonconsecutive 30-day periods during pollen season, providing more than 1,800 measurements during the study.
Results showed that higher pollen levels in the three days prior to measuring forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) were associated with reduced lung function. People experiencing inflammation or who had both COPD and asthma experienced more significant negative impact on their lung function.
"We found that not only does pollen exposure have a negative impact on lung function, but when combined with air pollution, the negative effects are even stronger," said Mary B. Rice, M.D., MPH, of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and senior author of the study. "On high pollen days, people with COPD can reduce their exposure by watching pollen forecasts, staying indoors, and using an air purifier."
To access current and past issues of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, visit journal.copdfoundation.org.
###
About the COPD Foundation
The COPD Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help millions of people live longer and healthier lives by advancing research, advocacy, and awareness to stop COPD, bronchiectasis, and NTM lung disease. The Foundation does this through scientific research, education, advocacy, and awareness to prevent disease, slow progression, and find a cure. For more information, visit copdfoundation.org, or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.