Barcelona is currently facing one of the most challenging periods for allergy sufferers. The Catalan Aerobiological Network warned last week of “exceptional levels” of pollen from plane trees, oaks, holm oaks, and parietaria across the city. Plane tree pollen is the main cause of this spring episode.
According to Barcelona City Council data, there are 43,212 plane trees in the city, making up about 6.6% of the urban tree population. These trees have been a part of Barcelona's landscape for centuries; the plane tree has been a symbol of La Rambla since 1548. For over 100 years, they were considered a good solution because they provide shade and tolerate urban conditions well.
However, their resilience does not outweigh the discomfort they cause in spring. During this season, they release huge amounts of pollen in a short but intense period, which gets into eyes, noses, and throats. Plane trees are especially concentrated in the Eixample district and, secondly, in Sant Martí. This distribution is a direct legacy of the urban expansion driven by the Cerdà Plan in the early 20th century, when plane trees were cheap and easy to plant. At that time, they were already very popular in France. Today, these two areas of the Catalan capital are the most exposed during pollination peaks.
High Exposure Areas
A map, created by EL PERIÓDICO using municipal data, shows which streets and squares are most exposed to this species' pollen. On dry and windy days, the phenomenon becomes even more visible, with a yellow dust covering streets, balconies, and pavements. This increases allergy symptoms among thousands of residents.
In 2022, Joan Guitart, then head of Barcelona's Tree Management Area, acknowledged that plane trees are not as useful now as they once were. This is due to their impact on health and the accumulation of pollen on the streets, which requires cleaning. The large amount of plane tree pollen means it affects not only those who know they are allergic but also causes discomfort to people without a history of allergies.
Allergy Symptoms and Prevention
The Ordovás Medical Team in Madrid notes that allergy symptoms appear suddenly and are very marked during flowering. Frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itching in the nose, throat, and palate, red eyes, tearing, and itchy eyes are common signs of seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. In some cases, with intense exposure or greater sensitivity, these symptoms can worsen, leading to respiratory complications such as an irritating cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness. This progression can be linked to asthma and requires medical attention.
Specialists recommend reducing exposure as much as possible during days with high pollen concentrations. They advise avoiding walking under trees, especially in the early morning and mid-afternoon. It is also wise to check pollen levels to plan outdoor activities. On difficult days, keep home windows closed and car windows up. Outside, wearing sunglasses and a mask is recommended for particularly sensitive individuals.
Upon returning home, it is best to shower immediately, change clothes, and perform nasal or eye washes to relieve accumulated exposure. Inside the house, health professionals suggest frequently cleaning surfaces to prevent pollen accumulation and not drying clothes outdoors. Another tip for allergy sufferers is to buy an air purifier with a HEPA filter to clean the air of particles.
Treatment always depends on symptom intensity and must be prescribed by a specialist. Options range from antihistamines to eye drops, bronchodilators for asthma, or vaccines in selected cases. These diverse options require a medical prescription and supervision.
