Seville Allergy Season: High Pollen Levels & Rising Adult Cases

Seville, Spain is experiencing an early and intense pollen season, with cypress pollen levels currently the highest in the country. Hospitals are reporting levels exceeding 500 grains per cubic meter, significantly above the reactive threshold of 135 grains per cubic meter. This surge is prompting concern among allergy sufferers and healthcare professionals alike.

The unusual pattern is attributed to changing climate conditions, with two consecutive years of storms followed by a rapid shift to warmer temperatures. With this more extreme climate, when the good weather arrives, you go from zero to 600 grains in just a few days and that represents a more aggressive change for allergy sufferers, explains Dr. Pilar Lara, an allergist at the Virgen Macarena Hospital and member of the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology.

The spring pollen season in Seville unfolds in stages. February is dominated by cypress pollen, followed by plane tree pollen in March, olive pollen in April, and grasses in May and early June. Currently, cypress pollen is the primary concern, with levels peaking around February 16th at 655 grains per cubic meter in the province of Seville. In particularly sensitive areas like Dos Hermanas, pollen levels are reportedly three times higher than what the body can tolerate.

The rapid increase in pollen counts is linked to recent weather patterns. Rainfall initially delayed the start of the pollen season, but the subsequent arrival of warm, windy, and sunny conditions has triggered an abrupt and intense release of pollen. This creates peaks of pollen that generate more aggressive symptoms, according to Dr. Lara, who emphasizes the importance of continued medication and treatment for allergy patients.

Beyond cypress pollen, the season will bring other allergens. Grass pollen is typically most intense in June, while olive pollen peaks in April. The presence of humidity also contributes to the problem, as it promotes the growth of allergenic fungi. These fungi release spores during and after rainfall, exacerbating respiratory symptoms like conjunctivitis and asthma.

Interestingly, healthcare providers are observing a shift in the patient profile. Increasingly, adults are experiencing allergic reactions for the first time. Now they are coming to the hospital people adults with allergy symptoms for the first time. Until now it was something unusual, because they usually appear at younger ages, but This proves now frequent to see more adult profiles, Dr. Lara notes.

Data from the Virgen Macarena Hospital shows a relatively stable volume of allergy-related consultations over the past three years: 23,885 in 2023, 27,411 in 2024, and approximately 25,000 in 2025. Of these, around 6,000 were first-time consultations referred from primary care. 2025 saw a particularly high demand for initial consultations in the spring due to respiratory allergies.

Looking ahead, the forecast suggests a challenging spring if the current weather pattern persists. Sunny, windy, and warm days favor pollen production. Rainfall, while offering temporary relief by clearing the atmosphere, can also contribute to fungal growth. The situation remains dynamic and dependent on future meteorological conditions.

In addition to respiratory allergies, healthcare professionals are also seeing an increase in skin-related allergic reactions, such as dermatitis and urticaria, potentially linked to the changing climate and allergen exposure. The interplay between pollen, fungal spores, and individual susceptibility makes managing allergies in Seville a complex and evolving challenge.

Individuals with pollen allergies are advised to take preventative measures, including showering and changing clothes after being outdoors, keeping windows closed and using air conditioning or HEPA purifiers, and staying informed about pollen forecasts. Consulting with a healthcare provider to discuss appropriate medication and management strategies is also recommended.