Doctors’ Notice: Provinces
- Spain is experiencing a notably intense allergy season, wiht many residents reporting exacerbated symptoms.
- Javier Subiza, with the Spanish society of Allergology and clinical Immunology (SEIAC), described the current situation as a perhaps "ancient record" for pollen concentration."It is being a very...
- In Madrid, the SEIAC station has recorded grass pollen concentrations four times higher than the average of the last 45 years, reaching approximately 200 grains per cubic meter...
Pollen Levels Surge Across Spain, Triggering Severe allergy Season
Table of Contents
- Pollen Levels Surge Across Spain, Triggering Severe allergy Season
- Pollen Levels Surge Across Spain: Your Guide to Surviving Allergy Season
- What’s happening with pollen levels in Spain?
- How bad is this allergy season compared to others?
- Which regions in Spain are most affected by high pollen levels?
- What’s causing the surge in pollen levels?
- Can olive tree pollen cause the same issues as grass pollen?
- Are people experiencing allergies for the first time this year?
- Are antihistamines less effective this year?
- When will allergy sufferers find relief?
- How can I manage my allergy symptoms?
- Should I consult a specialist?
- Key Differences: Grass vs. Olive Tree Pollen
Spain is experiencing a notably intense allergy season, wiht many residents reporting exacerbated symptoms. Experts attribute the surge in pollen counts to recent weather patterns, leading to discomfort for allergy sufferers across the country.
Record Pollen Concentrations Reported
Javier Subiza, with the Spanish society of Allergology and clinical Immunology (SEIAC), described the current situation as a perhaps “ancient record” for pollen concentration.”It is being a very hard spring,” Subiza noted.
In Madrid, the SEIAC station has recorded grass pollen concentrations four times higher than the average of the last 45 years, reaching approximately 200 grains per cubic meter as of May 17.”Its 400% higher,” the station reported.
Affected Regions Span the Peninsula
While the data originates from Madrid, the high pollen levels are affecting a large portion of the Iberian Peninsula. According to the Spanish Aerobiology Network, 24 provinces are currently experiencing very high pollen concentrations.
The most affected regions include Andalusia and much of Castilla-La Mancha. Parts of Murcia and areas within Galicia, particularly Lugo, are also experiencing significant impact. Elevated pollen levels are also present in territories of Asturias, Cantabria, soria, and La Rioja.
Meteorological Factors behind the Surge
Subiza explained that the recent weather patterns are a primary driver of the increased pollen levels. Autumn and winter rainfall play a crucial role in pollen concentrations. Rainfall between October and February germinates grass seeds, leading to growth in March.
The particularly rainy winter, especially the month of March, has resulted in abundant grass growth. Alberto Álvarez, an allergologist at the Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, notes that grasses are a major cause of allergy problems in Spain and Europe.
Olive trees also contribute significantly to allergy issues. Spain’s extensive olive groves, combined with the ease with which olive pollen travels, exacerbate the problem, according to Álvarez.
Subiza clarified that the ability of olive tree pollen to produce symptoms is not the same as that of grass, at least in areas such as Madrid, where the olive tree is not as prevalent.However,in areas with higher olive tree concentrations,the impact may be different.In areas such as Jaén or Córdoba, pollen counts are “several thousand” grains per cubic meter, according to the SEIAC expert.
Subiza notes that in years like this, ”many people debut for the first time” as allergy sufferers. these individuals may have experienced mild symptoms in the past but are now experiencing more pronounced reactions.
Both Subiza and Álvarez have observed that many patients feel antihistamines are less effective this year.While the drugs maintain their efficacy,the increased intensity of symptoms makes them more challenging to manage.
Looking Ahead: When Will Relief Arrive?
Experts anticipate several more intense months of allergy symptoms. While May is proving to be a challenging month, high pollen levels are expected to persist into June.Relief is not expected until July, when pollen levels should subside.
Subiza notes regional variations in pollination timing. Pollination began in Andalusia in April and reached the central provinces of the Peninsula in May.The Cantabrian mountain range territories may experience a delayed onset of symptoms.
Tips for Managing Allergy Symptoms
While avoiding exposure entirely is impossible, experts offer advice to mitigate allergy symptoms. Reducing exposure is key.
Pollen relies on air currents to reach respiratory passages, and higher temperatures facilitate this process.Álvarez recommends avoiding outdoor activities during the warmest parts of the day.
Keeping windows closed as much as possible helps prevent pollen from entering indoor spaces. Subiza suggests ventilating during the night or early morning when temperatures are lower.
Wearing pollen-filtering masks and glasses can protect both the respiratory system and eyes. Nasal washes and showers upon returning home can remove pollen residue, according to the SEIAC expert.
Both experts emphasize the importance of consulting a specialist. Subiza highlights that treatments extend beyond antihistamines and may include medications for rhinitis or bronchial asthma. “It’s a treatment in [a step-wise approach], we have many more tools,” he said.
Pollen Levels Surge Across Spain: Your Guide to Surviving Allergy Season
What’s happening with pollen levels in Spain?
Spain is currently experiencing a notably intense allergy season. many residents are reporting worsened allergy symptoms, with experts attributing the surge in pollen counts to recent weather patterns.
How bad is this allergy season compared to others?
According to Javier Subiza of the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEIAC), the current situation might potentially be a record for pollen concentration. The pollen concentration is significantly higher than average.
Madrid: Grass pollen concentrations are four times higher than the average of the last 45 years, reaching approximately 200 grains per cubic meter as of May 17.
Overall: The SEIAC station reported it’s 400% higher than average.
Which regions in Spain are most affected by high pollen levels?
While the data originates from Madrid, the high pollen levels are affecting a large portion of the Iberian Peninsula. According to the Spanish Aerobiology Network,24 provinces are currently experiencing very high pollen concentrations.
The most affected regions include:
Andalusia
Much of Castilla-La Mancha
Parts of Murcia
Areas within Galicia, particularly Lugo
Territories of Asturias, Cantabria, Soria, and La Rioja are also experiencing elevated levels
What’s causing the surge in pollen levels?
Recent weather patterns are the primary drivers behind the increased pollen levels.
Rainfall: Autumn and winter rainfall germinates grass seeds, leading to growth in March. The particularly rainy winter, including march, resulted in abundant grass growth.
Grasses: Grasses are a major cause of allergy problems in Spain and Europe, according to expertise provided by Alberto Álvarez.
Olive Trees: Spain’s extensive olive groves also contribute significantly to allergy issues. Olive pollen is easily transported, thus exacerbating the problem.
Can olive tree pollen cause the same issues as grass pollen?
Not necessarily, especially in areas where olive trees are not as prevalent, such as Madrid. However,in areas with higher olive tree concentrations,the impact may be different.In areas like Jaén or Córdoba, pollen counts can reach “several thousand” grains per cubic meter.
Are people experiencing allergies for the first time this year?
Yes, according to Subiza, many people are experiencing allergy symptoms for the first time this year. These individuals may have previously experienced mild symptoms but are now facing more pronounced reactions.
Are antihistamines less effective this year?
While antihistamines maintain their effectiveness, many patients feel they are less effective this year. This is due to the increased intensity of allergy symptoms this season, making symptom management more challenging.
When will allergy sufferers find relief?
Experts expect several more intense months of allergy symptoms.
May: Proving to be a challenging month.
June: High pollen levels are expected to persist.
July: Relief is expected as pollen levels should subside.
There are regional variations in pollination timing.Pollination began in Andalusia in April and reached the central provinces of the Peninsula in May. Territories in the Cantabrian mountain range may experience a delayed onset of symptoms.
How can I manage my allergy symptoms?
While wholly avoiding exposure is impractical, here are some expert tips to mitigate allergy symptoms:
Avoid Outdoor Activities: Reduce exposure by avoiding outdoor activities during the warmest parts of the day, as pollen relies on air currents and higher temperatures facilitate this process.
Keep Windows Closed: Prevent pollen from entering indoor spaces by keeping windows closed as much as possible. Ventilate during the night or early morning when temperatures are lower, as suggested by Subiza.
Use Protective Gear: Wear pollen-filtering masks and glasses to protect your respiratory system and eyes.
* Nasal Washes and Showers: Take nasal washes or showers upon returning home to remove pollen residue.
Should I consult a specialist?
Yes, experts emphasize the importance of consulting a specialist. Treatments extend beyond antihistamines and may include medications for rhinitis or bronchial asthma. As stated by Subiza,”It’s a treatment in [a step-wise approach],we have many more tools.”
Key Differences: Grass vs. Olive Tree Pollen
Here’s a concise comparison:
| Pollen Type | Prevalence | Symptom Severity (in general) | Affected Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| grass | Widespread, Especially after a rainy winter | High | Throughout Spain |
| Olive Tree | Significant, especially in areas with olive groves | Potentially very high, especially in areas with high concentrations | Andalusia, Jaén and Córdoba (frequently enough areas with high concentrations) |