Spring always brings high pollen levels . Therefore, those allergic to these plant particles find their problem aggravated during this time. They not only suffer respiratory problems, but also skin rashes and other ailments.
However, some Spanish provinces have higher pollen levels than others. This depends on the predominant vegetation and climate . Below, we'll show you which provinces are most affected by high pollen levels. But first, let's explain what pollen is and how it affects us.
What exactly is pollen?
Pollen grains under the microscope
It's a kind of very fine powder or microscopic grains produced by spermatophyte plants , that is, plants that have seeds. It develops in the pollen sacs , which, in turn, are found in the anthers of the stamens. As you may know, it plays a fundamental role in plant reproduction . Specifically, it carries the male reproductive cells.
The process by which a pollen combines with the female ovule to produce seeds and fruit is called pollination . This can occur within the same flower (in hermaphrodite plants) and is called self-pollination . However, most often it takes place between different flowers and is called cross-pollination.
It is precisely this last factor that causes problems with high pollen levels. Pollination vectors transport the grains from one plant to another. These can be living entities such as insects or birds, but also abiotic factors, such as water or wind. The presence of pollen in the air causes allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to these grains.
Likewise, the months with the highest pollination rates are from January to June . Therefore, these are also the months with the highest concentrations of pollen in the air and, consequently, the worst for allergy sufferers . But what exactly is an allergy?
What is pollen allergy?
A person undergoing allergy testing
We call this the immune system's reaction to a substance that is harmless to the person (or host) and that they receive through various means such as inhalation, ingestion, or simple skin contact. In less scientific terms, we could speak of hypersensitivity to that substance. Therefore, the error of our defenses lies not in the response itself, but in triggering it in response to an element that poses no threat.
The consequence is illness in the host . This illness can vary depending on the causative substance and the affected organ. However, the most common of these ailments are dermatitis , or skin disease, and rhinitis , or inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasal passages. Rhinitis also includes nasal congestion and discharge, sneezing, and itching.
But allergies can also cause asthma and, in more severe cases, anaphylaxis . This is the term used to describe a severe, rapid, and widespread reaction of the body that is potentially fatal if not treated quickly. It differs from an allergic reaction in that anaphylaxis seriously compromises the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Therefore, pollen allergy is the body's reaction to this substance in a hypersensitive person upon contact. The plants that most commonly trigger this allergy are grasses such as sugarcane, oats, and rye, and trees such as olive and plane trees.
The most frequent consequence is the appearance of eczema on the skin, respiratory problems, and even conjunctivitis. Anaphylaxis, on the other hand, is more common in cases of ingesting foods to which the individual is allergic. For more information on how the climate influences these processes, you can consult the article "Climate and Allergies ." Now that we have clarified everything related to allergies and the effects they can have on people, let's focus on the provinces most affected by high pollen levels.
Provinces of Spain with high pollen levels
Pollen accumulated on the shore of a lake
We've already told you that pollen allergies affect the health of those who suffer from them. But, naturally, they also limit the lives of these people . During peak pollen season, they must reduce their outdoor activities, and the condition can even affect their work or school performance, depending on their age.
Regarding the Spanish provinces with the highest pollen levels, we have to look for the causes, as we've already mentioned, in the type of vegetation they have and their climate. But the levels of these grains also change from year to year . That is, there may be more pollen in the air one spring and less in another.
In any case, because of this, the autonomous communities that tend to present the most problems for allergy sufferers are Madrid, Andalusia, Castile and León, Castile-La Mancha, and Navarre (the latter in its northern part). In contrast, the northern and eastern coastal regions are better for those who suffer from the condition. For example, they will feel more comfortable in communities like Asturias, Galicia, the Valencian Community, or the Balearic Islands.
Regarding the provinces, and based on the most recent data, Badajoz, Córdoba, Seville, and Ciudad Real are currently under red alert for high pollen levels . Eleven other provinces are experiencing more moderate levels: Madrid, Ávila, Albacete, Cuenca, Jaén, Granada, Cádiz, Málaga, Huelva, Cáceres, and Toledo . However, the latter three have now joined the first group due to increased pollen counts. To check the situation in each province, please refer to [link/reference].
What type of pollen affects the most in each province?
The province of Badajoz is the first in Spain in terms of high pollen levels. In the photo, its capital
It's also important to know that each region is more affected by certain types of pollen than others. This is crucial because some people are allergic to a specific type of pollen, while others are allergic to more general pollen. For those with specific allergies, knowing this information is highly recommended, as it allows them to identify which types of pollen are most prevalent in each area.
Thus, grasses are found throughout Spain , but are more abundant in the south and center , with a good presence also along the Cantabrian coast and even in the Canary Islands. The same can be said of the olive tree in the central and southern regions , although it is also found in the coastal areas of Catalonia . Nettles are very common in Catalonia, as well as in parts of Aragon . However, the most prevalent type of pollen in the center and northeast of the peninsula is that of oak and holm oak . Finally, the London plane tree had its pollination period in April and, since then, its activity has decreased.
In general, we can say that this year the pollen calendar is proceeding quite normally. The only exception is birch , whose pollination should be more intense in its areas of influence, especially the Cantabrian coast and Barcelona. But otherwise, May is proving to be active for pollen movement. For example, pine is the main pollinator in central Spain and Aragon, while olive is the main pollinator in Andalusia and the Levante region.
When will high pollen allergies ease up?
Antihistamines are essential when there are high pollen levels
If you suffer from allergies, you know they never completely go away. You can experience flare-ups throughout the year. But it's true that there's a season when the abundance of pollen in the air makes allergy symptoms stronger and more uncomfortable . As you also know, that's spring.
Therefore, the arrival of summer is usually beneficial for allergy sufferers . Temperatures rise, and plants typically complete their annual life cycle. As a result, there is less pollen in the air. Consequently, summer brings relief for people with this condition.
However, Spain's climate and vegetation are quite varied. Due to these regional differences, the end of allergy season varies from province to province . For example, trees like cypresses and thuja pollen season between January and February. Pine pollination, on the other hand, begins in March and ends in June. Weeds and mugwort even extend their pollination process into July, and nettles into August. Among the latter are ferns and orchids, which are especially common in the provinces of eastern Spain, including the Balearic Islands. But if you want to know how the climate affects these processes, you can check [link to relevant information]. Therefore, in these areas, it will take longer for pollen levels in the air to decrease.
In any case, if you suffer from pollen allergies, there are also some steps you can take to feel better. If possible, avoid going outside during peak pollen times. And afterward, shower and change your clothes to remove any pollen residue. But above all, consult a specialist for personalized treatment and, if necessary, a prescription for respiratory decongestants or antihistamines. For more information, you can check when allergy season lasts and key dates.
In conclusion, we've shown you which Spanish provinces are most affected by high pollen levels . We've also explained everything you need to know about the allergies these plant particles cause in millions of people. If you think you might have this problem, we encourage you to consult a doctor.