Allergists have already warned that It would be a complicated spring in terms of allergies, because the forecasts pointed to that the amount of grains per cubic meter in the atmosphere would be high. These types of allergies affect millions of people around the world, many of whom are children.
What happens is that today the concept of seasonal allergies is no longer valid, since pollen from trees, herbs and flowers is being released into the atmosphere throughout the year, there are also more allergy sufferers.
We talk about environmental allergies, and it's not just pollen, mites also do their thing
An allergy consists of an immune response to substances that a priori would not be harmful, and They reach the body through inhalation of the same (pollen grains). It's the person's immune system that reacts incorrectly. Food allergies are very common among children; however, the frequency of environmental allergies of plant origin is increasing.
How to recognize the allergic reaction?
The main symptoms are runny nose or mucus (with sneezing), itchy watery eyes, itching of the nose, mouth, throat, or skin; and others such as cough, hives, diarrhea, headache ...
In the most severe cases the reaction is associated with asthma, and causes wheezing in the bronchi. Symptoms of an allergy they are very persistent, contrary to what happens with a cold that after a few days, and after overcoming fever, malaise, etc., disappears.
If parents or the pediatrician suspect it, it is advisable to have a referral to an allergist who will perform the corresponding skin tests and blood tests. Sometimes, provocation with the offending allergen is also performed.
In allergy sufferers, once the immune system is able to recognize the substance, all subsequent exposures may cause symptoms: cells release histamine and cause discomfort.
Don't trivialize allergies, are a major public health problem; in fact, French National Agency for Food, Environment and Occupational Health Safety, estimates that 'respiratory allergies' (including environmental allergies), have doubled in just 20 years
Factors that increase pollen levels and why symptoms vary
The amount of pollen in the air is not always the same. The rains of autumn and winter They help plants grow better and release more pollen when spring arrives. However, if it rains during spring, the water can "wash" the air and temporarily reduce pollen concentration. Dry, windy springs tend to be more problematic.
Also influences geographical area and its vegetation: grasses are widespread, olives are more common in Mediterranean climates, and pellitory is abundant in coastal areas. The local climate and winds influence pollen dispersal, so higher and more sustained peaks are observed in continental areas than in coastal areas.
El climate change and urban pollution aggravate the situation: longer pollination seasons, higher levels of pollen and diesel particulate matter, which increase their allergenic effect. Living in cities is often associated with more intense symptoms.
Prevention as a defensive 'weapon'
It is known to all the recommendation to avoid exposure to the allergen, although this can be very difficult at times (you will see below that such advice can be questioned). Of course, the cause must first be known, for this the intervention of the specialist doctor is decisive, as I have commented above.
The Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology has developed This application to know the pollen count according to our area of residence, and to be able to better plan outings. More useful is still Pollen Alert for mobile devices. Daily life, however, involves small trips, so it is possible there are doctors who recommend immunotherapy.
I also tell you that the worst hours They are usually the first in the morning and last in the afternoonIf the day is also very windy, the risk increases. There are cases in which, due to the severity, the use of masks will be recommended.
More things you can do:
- Close the windows of the house after ventilating (at the end of Spring and Summer use the blinds to insulate yours from the intense heat).
- If you travel, close the car windows too.
- It is also advisable not to have the clothes hanging out for a long time once they are dry, as pollen adheres to the fabrics.
- Check air conditioning filters.
- If dust mites are the problem, get into the habit of dusting with a damp cloth, avoid keeping too many items on shelves, and wash cushions, pillowcases, and quilts frequently.
- With pollen, the main symptoms are respiratory, but putting sunglasses on your child will reduce the chances of irritation to the eyes.
- Vegetables should be served well washed.
To strengthen environmental prevention, adds these evidence-based guidelines:
- Check the pollen forecast daily and plan your outings; avoid outdoor activities when the count is high, or on dry, windy, or stormy days (they can worsen symptoms).
- Ventilate briefly at midday and keep windows closed early in the morning and at dusk. Use air conditioning with pollen filters and HEPA filters in vacuum cleaners.
- Take a shower and change your clothes When returning from outside, don't hang clothes outside and avoid mowing the lawn or sweeping terraces on days with high pollination.
- Keep indoor humidity under control (around 40–50%): dehumidifier if high and avoid continuous humidifiers if symptoms worsen.
- Protects eyes and respiratory tract with wraparound sunglasses and a face mask when you go out during pollen peaks or when gardening.
- Helpful ResourcesIn addition to Polenes.com and AlertaPolen, there are apps such as Polen Control or Alergo Alarm for personalized alerts.
Allergies or a cold? Signs to differentiate them
In spring it is easy to confuse both conditions. In allergies, the nasal discharge is usually watery, the Itchy eyes and nose is very typical, the sneezes are in bursts and no fever appearsA cold, on the other hand, can present with a sore throat, thicker mucus, and symptoms that gradually improve over a few days.
The hygiene hypothesis
Developed since 1989, and now under constant evaluation, this guidance indicates that there are highly recommended hygiene practices (hand washing); and yet We must not exaggerate the protection of children by avoiding any contact with the natural environment. At this point, balance is necessary by improving natural experiences, unless they tell you otherwise (for example, they tell you not to expose yourself to this or that variety of pollen).
In addition, it is advisable to maintain a good level of physical exercise (it favors the immune system), and the diet is balanced
Reasonable exposure to natural environments diversifies the microbiome and can help the immune system. Avoid unnecessary over-cleaning, but keep basic hygiene habits and adequate ventilation.
Symptomatic treatments and nasal washes
As you know, these days your child with allergies may be prescribed medication to combat the symptoms: pay attention to the dosage and other instructions. Always ask yourself what else you can do for your children regarding allergies. without affecting your overall health; when necessary, seek more than one medical opinion.
Common treatments include: oral antihistamines for sneezing, itching and discharge; intranasal corticosteroids for congestion and rhinitis; antihistamine eye drops y artificial tears for eye discomfort; and decongestants (assess with your doctor the appropriateness and duration). Start them in a prophylactic when pollen peaks are expected, it can improve control.
Los nasal washes with saline solution They help remove allergens and mucus. You can purchase prepared solutions or kits; if you make a homemade solution, use bottled water and respect the correct proportions (for example, 1 liter of water with 1,5 teaspoons of pickling salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda). Clean and dry the device after each use.
ImportantThe information provided is for guidance only and does not replace consultation with a healthcare professional. Avoid self-medication if you have concomitant conditions or are taking other medications.
Accurate diagnosis and immunotherapy
The allergist can perform skin prick tests with extracts of pollens and other allergens, and specific IgE tests to confirm sensitizations. The results are used to adjust avoidance and treatment measures.
For some patients, the allergen immunotherapy (vaccines) is an option that modifies the course of the disease. It can be administered intravenously subcutaneous o sublingual, with regimens generally lasting several years. It usually offers better results in monosensitized patients, but there are also regimens for multiple allergens. Improvements can be seen within a few months, with optimal medium-term benefits.
Allergies in babies and children
In childhood, both are frequent food allergies such as environmental ones. In infants and young children, rhinitis can manifest with nasal obstruction, irritability, and sleep problems. Diagnosis is based on clinical history, age-appropriate skin testing, and laboratory tests, with special care taken to avoid provocation tests outside of a prepared environment.
For daily management, prioritize smoke-free environments, cleaning with a damp cloth, vacuuming with a HEPA filter, frequent washing of textiles and use of sunglasses Outdoors to reduce eye irritation. Consult your pediatrician before starting medication and consider immunotherapy if indicated.
Stress, exercise, and diet: their role in allergies
El Stress may be associated with a higher number of exacerbations in people with allergies. Stress management techniques, adequate rest, and moderate physical activity are allies. Exercise, especially in cold and dry environments, can induce bronchospasm; plan physical activity during off-peak hours and warm up gradually.
Infrequently, they have been described exercise-associated anaphylactic reactions, especially if it coincides with previous consumption of certain LTP-rich foods (some nuts, fruits, or grains). If you've experienced severe reactions, consult for a personalized evaluation and safety precautions.
In nutrition, anyone can become sensitive to different foods throughout their life. Identify and avoid allergen It is key; those who experience severe reactions should have an action plan and, if applicable, an identification bracelet.
Indicative pollination calendars
Each plant species has its own calendar, which helps anticipate symptoms and adjust measures:
- Ciprés: increases from winter to mid-spring.
- Shade plane tree: peaks throughout early spring.
- Olive: peak in late spring and early summer in Mediterranean areas.
- Grasses: predominate in spring; in coastal areas they can last longer.
- Pellitory: very present on walls and coastal plots, with a long active season.
These patterns can vary depending on annual climate, rainfall and temperatures. Consult aerobiological networks and local apps help personalize precautions.
If you need to strengthen control, remember that stay indoors On days with high pollen counts, closing car windows and using pollen filters reduces the exposure burden. Filtering and hygienic masks are a useful barrier against pollen grains, especially during peak periods.
Image - Reka Vajda.
Take care of your environment, know your triggers and apply a plan that combines environmental prevention, symptomatic treatment and, where appropriate, immunotherapy, will help you get through spring with less discomfort. Coordinating with your allergist and using resources like Polenes.com or pollen alert apps are great allies for making informed daily decisions and breathing better.