Pollen allergy is back

Spring is the season of the year when people allergic to pollen have the worst time of the year, as the symptoms become more acute. However, in Spain the Mediterranean climate causes allergy attacks to last for about six months.

Some experts in the field, such as Dr. Carlos Barajas del Rosal, otorhinolaryngologist and director of the Barajas del Rosal Clinic, consider that the appearance of the first pollens occurs in January and lasts until July. This situation is caused by pollens from different sources:

  • Banana pollen.
  • Pollen from cultivated and spontaneous grasses.
  • Olive tree pollen.

In January, grass and banana pollens start to produce the first allergic symptoms, while olive pollen starts at the beginning of the year and lasts until July, due to the different types of olive trees that disseminate pollen.

Pollen is an allergen that upon contact with the patient’s body causes inflammation of the nasal mucosa, in addition to triggering various allergy symptoms such as hyperresponsiveness to contact, strong odors, smoke, dust, etc.

What are the main symptoms of allergies to pollen and external inhalants?

  • Sneezing many times.
  • Abundant clear mucus.
  • Itchy nose.
  • Nasal stuffiness.
  • Nosebleeds.
  • Itching in the ear and palate.

Do chronic patients suffer the symptoms all year round?

Although this is not always the case, in some cases people with allergies may present symptoms indistinctly throughout the year. This is due to the fact that after so many years “chronic inflammation occurs in the larynx, pharynx and nasal cavity, which must be controlled so that the patient can be asymptomatic most of the time,” says Dr. Barajas.

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As soon as the first symptoms appear, the patient should go to the doctor to continue with the stipulated treatment. Symptoms should be treated from the very first moment to avoid an acute allergic crisis that can lead to a bronchial or sinus condition (sinusitis). The shock treatment consists of antihistamines and topical nasal corticosteroids in spray form, but they must always be prescribed by a specialist,” assures Dr. Carlos Barajas.