Allergenic pollen pollinosis in Madrid

Area of Science:

• Aerobiology
• Allergology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Pollen allergy (pollinosis) is a significant health concern in urban environments.
• Understanding seasonal pollen distribution is crucial for managing allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the months with the highest concentrations of allergenic pollens in Madrid's atmosphere.
• To correlate airborne pollen levels with clinical data from patients with pollinosis.

Main Methods:

• A 15-year atmospheric pollen count was conducted using a Burkard spore trap.
• Pollen data were compared with skin test results from local patients diagnosed with pollinosis.

Main Results:

• The most abundant pollens were Quercus spp. (17%), Platanus spp. (15%), and Poaceae (grasses) (15%).
• Tree pollens dominated from January to April, with significant presence also in May and June.
• Grass pollination exhibited a bimodal pattern, with peaks from February to April and a major peak from May to July (90% of yearly counts).
• Grasses were the most significant allergen, with 94% positive skin test results, followed by Olea europaea (61%) and Plantago lagopus (53%).

Conclusions:

• Madrid's population faces high allergenic pollen exposure from February to July, with peak intensity in May and June.
• Grass pollens are identified as the predominant cause of pollinosis in Madrid.
• Effective management strategies for pollen allergy should consider the extended pollination season and the significance of grass pollens.