Pollen allergies may worsen this spring

The president of the Clinical Aerobiology Committee of the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC), Juan José Zapata, has warned that the concentration of pollen this spring it can be “much higher than usual“, implying an “even greater challenge” for allergy sufferers, as a consequence of the recorded rains and low temperatures.

As he explained, the intense winter rains and falling temperatures They are delaying the pollination of winter pollens, which is known as the ‘washing effect’. However, when the weather stabilizes, pollen levels could quickly skyrocket.

The rains have also increased environmental humidity, favoring the proliferation of fungi and dust mites, allergens related to asthma exacerbations. This phenomenon can even affect areas where these allergies were not common until now.

The president of SEAIC Asthma Committee, Juan Carlos Miralles, has pointed out that high humidity alters the epithelial barrier of the respiratory tract, makes it difficult to clear mucus and promotes sensitization to fungi and mites, which can aggravate asthmatic symptoms. In this way, an environment that is especially favorable for asthma attacks is being created.

Recommendations

Juan José Zapata has recommended people allergic to pollen to anticipate the possible spring rebound. To do this, he has suggested that they actively monitor pollen levels through specialized platforms and consult with an allergist if there is any increase.

In addition, he has advocated adopting environmental control measures, such as avoid garden areas In periods of high concentration, maintain closed windows at critical moments and ventilate the home in a controlled manner to reduce exposure.

Regarding asthmatic patients, who are currently the most affected, Juan Carlos Miralles has advised that reduce humidity in the home, using dehumidifiers, and avoiding humid spaces. Likewise, he has highlighted the importance of following preventive treatment and having the rescue inhaler available.

“If there is any increase in respiratory symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or wheezing, an allergist should be consulted immediately to adjust the treatment,” he stressed.

The Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology It has an aerobiological information system that collects and updates the environmental levels of pollens in different areas of Spain. These data are available through the web ‘www.polenes.com‘.