Seville is bracing for an intense allergy season as pollen counts, particularly from cypress trees, have reached record highs across the region. Levels have surpassed 500 grains per cubic meter at the Hospital Tomillar in Alcalá de Guadaíra, and similar elevations are anticipated at the Virgen Macarena Hospital’s aerobiological station in the capital. This surge in pollen is prompting health officials to warn allergy sufferers to prepare for a challenging spring.
The unusually high pollen levels are attributed to a combination of factors, including recent weather patterns and a changing climate. After two consecutive years of storms during autumn and winter, the pollen season is now unfolding more abruptly. According to Dr. Pilar Lara, an allergist at the Virgen Macarena Hospital and member of the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, “The cycle is changing, now it’s much more abrupt. With this more extreme climate, when the excellent weather arrives, it goes from zero to 600 grains in just a few days, and that represents a more aggressive change for allergy sufferers.”
Record Pollen Counts and a Changing Season
February is typically the peak month for cypress pollen, followed by plane tree pollen in March, olive pollen in April, and grasses in May and early June. Dr. Lara notes that the current increase is “aggressive,” with the first reactive levels of cypress pollination recorded on February 11th, peaking on February 16th at 655 grains per cubic meter in the province of Seville. A concentration of 135 grains per cubic meter is considered a reactive level, meaning symptoms are likely to occur. In particularly sensitive areas like Dos Hermanas, cypress pollen levels are reportedly three times higher than what the body can tolerate.
The combination of rainfall, humidity, wind, and storms is accelerating this surge. “Each plant species has its pollination period. Cypress should have started in December and increased gradually. With the rains, it has been delayed, but it will be more intense,” Dr. Lara explained. These pollen spikes are expected to generate more aggressive symptoms, emphasizing the importance of continued medication and treatment adherence for patients.
Shifting Patient Profiles and Increased Consultations
The changing climate in Andalusia is also altering the demographics of allergy patients. Dr. Lara has observed an increase in adult patients experiencing allergy symptoms for the first time. “Now, adults are arriving at the hospital with allergy symptoms for the first time. Until now, this was unusual, as they usually manifest at younger ages, but it is now common to see more adult profiles,” she stated.
Consultation volumes at the Virgen Macarena Hospital have remained relatively stable over the past three years: 23,885 in 2023, 27,411 in 2024, and around 25,000 in 2025, with approximately 6,000 being first-time consultations referred from primary care. In 2025, there was a particularly high demand for first-time consultations in the spring due to respiratory allergies, even though cases of skin allergies like dermatitis and urticaria were also observed. The perception of allergies as “a childhood thing” is also evolving, as more adults seek diagnosis and treatment.
Beyond Pollen: Mold and Future Outlook
Adding to the challenge, atmospheric mold levels are also rising with the increased rainfall. “There is a great variability, but humidity-related mold is the most linked to respiratory allergies. It releases spores on rainy days and before, reaching incredibly high levels and causing symptoms such as conjunctivitis or asthma,” Dr. Lara concluded.
Looking ahead, the forecast predicts an “intense” spring if the stable, sunny weather continues. Sunny, windy days with high temperatures favor pollination, while rainfall can provide temporary relief by clearing the atmosphere. The situation will remain dynamic and dependent on meteorological conditions.
As pollen levels continue to fluctuate, staying informed about local forecasts and adhering to prescribed allergy management plans will be crucial for minimizing symptoms. Continued monitoring of pollen counts and atmospheric conditions will be essential in navigating this challenging allergy season.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.