The areas of Spain where allergies will be worse this spring

The Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC) foresees a especially intense spring in Spainwith very high pollen levelsespecially of grasses in the downtown areaas well as in Andalusia and Extremadurawhile in the coastlines and Canary Islands the incidence will be milder.

According to the SEAIC, the precipitation recorded in recent weeks have at times caused the so-called “washed effect”that temporarily reduces the presence of pollen in the air. However, experts emphasize that these rains have also favored the vegetation growth and the plant developmentwhich generally translates into a spring with high pollen levels.

“Not only do you have to take into account the pollen levels of grassesbut also of other types. This can cause a additive effect on patients and increase the intensity of the symptoms,” explained this Wednesday the president of the SEAIC Clinical Aerobiology Committee, Juan José Zapata.

In this sense, Zapata has detailed that levels of grasses of moderate to intense in Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha and Madridwith especially high peaks in Toledo and Madridwhere concentrations of up to 6,000 grains per cubic meter of air.
In it southern peninsulathe levels will be mild in Almería and Málagawhile they will be located in moderate values ​​in Córdoba, Granada, Huelva and Cádiz. The highest concentrations will be recorded in Badajoz and Cáceres (between 10,000 and 12,000 grains/m³), as well as in Seville (between 6,000 and 8,000 grains/m³) and in Jaenalso with forecast of intense levels.

For its part, in Canary Islands are expected very low levelswith approximate concentrations of between 250 and 500 grains/m³ in Tenerife and Las Palmas. In Galiciathe levels will range between mild and moderateespecially in Ourense and Lugo.

In it peninsular north (Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country, Navarra and Aragon) are expected mild levelswith estimated concentrations between 1,500 and 2,000 grains/m³. Finally, in the mediterranean coast (Balearic Islands, Catalonia, Valencian Community and Murcia), are expected mild pollen levels during this period.

The effect of climate change

The coordinator of the SEAIC Communication Commission, Pedro Ojedahas explained that the effects of climate change are causing the Pollination seasons no longer limited to spring and start earlier, which affects both the allergic people like those with increased risk of developing allergies.

“In addition, it must be taken into account that the Environmental pollution causes stress in plantswhich causes them to produce certain proteins as an immune response and that the amount of pollen increases,” said Ojeda.

Added to this scenario is the air pollutionwhich not only irritates the respiratory tractbut also interacts with pollens and enhances its ability to trigger allergic reactions. Furthermore, the Environmental pollutants damage skin-mucosal barriersespecially the respiratory mucosafavoring the release of inflammatory signals that amplify the allergic type immune response.

“We are faced with the perfect storm so that more and more people suffer respiratory allergies of any kind and pollen allergy in particular“Ojeda has warned.

More allergists are needed

The president of the SEAIC, Ignacio Dávilahas pointed out that the rhinoconjunctivitis affects between 7 and 8 million Spaniards. Furthermore, in recent years there has been a general increase in allergic diseaseswhich already affect about 35% of the population and could reach 50% in the future.

“We need more allergists in Spain. Furthermore, it is necessary increase the training of doctors in allergic diseases to improve both the diagnosis like him treatment. Being a relatively young specialtyonly a third of Spanish universities teach allergology“Dávila pointed out.

Another key aspect for SEAIC is the call precision allergya concept that is being introduced in all specialties and that involves the use of high performance tools. “This approach allows selecting the most effective treatment for each patient and starts to integrate with artificial intelligence. Boost the precision allergy It is, in fact, one of the objectives of the SEAIC“, he stated.

Clothing can be a magnet for pollen

Finally, Zapata has given a series of tips to combat pollen allergy during this spring. “It should not be hang clothes outdoors nor on the roof, since the clothes act as pollen magnets. Most modern fabrics, when exposed to the sun and air, become electromagnetically charged and attract pollenwhich is then introduced into the house when using sheets, towels or clothing, increasing exposure“he advised.

Likewise, the expert has recommended ventilate the home only in the morning and at nightavoiding keeping the windows open throughout the day, especially in high areas where pollen circulates more easily.

Regarding the practice of exercise, Zapata has advised avoid doing it in parks and gardens during the pollination peaks. “If it is necessary to go out, you can use FFP2 masks and sunglasses to reduce exposure to pollen,” he noted.

Finally, even if you do not have symptoms, the expert has recommended start medication when an increase in pollen is expected, especially from species very allergenic like the shade plantain.c