Specialists warn of a more intense and prolonged allergy season this spring due to rising pollen levels

With the arrival of spring and the increase in pollen levels, thousands of people begin to experience respiratory symptoms that significantly affect their quality of life. Nasal congestion, repeated sneezing, itchy eyes, dry cough, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating are among the most common manifestations of seasonal allergies, whose duration and intensity appear to have increased in recent years.

Specialists attribute this phenomenon to the combined impact of climate change, rising temperatures, air pollution, and changes in pollination cycles — factors that are altering the usual pattern of respiratory allergies.

High resolution image. This link will open using lightbox, there may be a context switchM. Carmen Garcia"Everything suggests that this spring will be especially intense for many allergy sufferers, particularly in certain areas of central and southern Spain. Previous rainfall and rising temperatures have led to high pollen concentrations, especially from grasses and olive trees," explains Dr. Carmen García Avilés, specialist in Allergology and Clinical Immunology at Ruber Internacional Centro Médico Habana, part of the Quirónsalud Group.

The specialist also warns that allergy seasons are becoming increasingly longer. "In the past, we associated allergies with a few specific weeks in spring, but nowadays many patients experience symptoms from late winter well into summer," she notes.

Among the most common symptoms are bouts of sneezing, nasal and eye itching, clear nasal discharge, watery eyes, and dry cough. However, allergists remind people that there are warning signs requiring medical evaluation, especially when respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing appear, as these may indicate associated asthma.

One of the main problems is that many people confuse allergies with colds or respiratory infections. "Allergies usually cause itching, watery mucus, and symptoms that recur every year during the same season. Infections, on the other hand, are generally accompanied by fever, general malaise, and thicker mucus," explains Dr. García Avilés.

"The vast majority of respiratory symptoms we are currently seeing in consultations are related to seasonal allergies or common infections such as influenza or COVID-19," the allergist emphasizes.

Experts insist that prevention remains essential. Checking daily pollen levels, avoiding outdoor activities on days with high pollen concentrations, wearing sunglasses, ventilating the home during hours of lower pollination, and correctly following prescribed treatment are among the most important recommendations during these weeks.

In addition, specialists point out that respiratory allergies are no longer exclusive to childhood. "We are increasingly diagnosing cases in adults who have never previously experienced symptoms, especially in large cities with higher levels of environmental pollution," says Dr. García Avilés.

Regarding treatments, the doctor notes that significant advances have been made in recent years, including more effective and targeted antihistamines as well as personalized immunotherapy, among others.

"The key is not to normalize persistent symptoms or resort to prolonged self-medication. Proper diagnosis and medical follow-up make it possible to effectively control the disease and significantly improve patients’ quality of life," concludes Dr. Carmen García Avilés.