Olive tree allergy: causes, symptoms, and how to prevent it

The olive tree is one of the most emblematic trees of Mediterranean culture, known not only for its fruit, the olive, and olive oil, but also for being one of the most common causes of seasonal allergies in Spain.

Indeed, olive tree allergy affects a significant percentage of the population, especially during the pollination season. In fact, it is very likely that you are also allergic to this tree.

We know it is a very common allergy, and therefore, at Olivarte we are going to tell you everything about olive pollen allergy, emphasizing the causes, symptoms, and remedies to treat it and minimize its effects.

If you want to know more about this tree, on our blog you will find information about when to prune an olive tree, a key aspect to get the most out of it, or about the multiple properties of the olive, which make it an ideal food to naturally care for your health. Let's get started!

What is olive pollen allergy?

Actually, when we talk about olive allergy, we refer to the allergy to olive pollen released by the flowers during their pollination period, causing an immune system reaction.

Olive pollen contains proteins that can trigger an allergic response in sensitive individuals, which in some cases can be quite severe.

Causes of olive allergy

The main cause of this allergy is exposure to olive pollen, which disperses in the air during spring and early summer. Factors such as geographic location, concentration of olive trees in the area, and climatic conditions (wind, humidity, etc.) influence the intensity of symptoms.

Additionally, environmental pollution can worsen the allergy, as it weakens the immune system and increases sensitivity to pollen.

Main symptoms of olive allergy

Generally, the symptoms of olive allergy are similar to those of other seasonal allergies, although they can range from mild to severe depending on the individual's sensitivity level, with the most common being:

• Nasal congestion: feeling of a blocked nose and difficulty breathing.
• Frequent sneezing: especially when outdoors.
• Itching in eyes, nose, and throat: discomfort that can be very annoying.
• Watery eyes: red and teary eyes.
• Dry cough: caused by irritation of the respiratory tract.
• Fatigue: feeling tired due to the constant allergic reaction.

In more severe cases, olive allergy can trigger asthma or breathing difficulties, so it is important to consult a specialist if symptoms persist or worsen.

When does olive allergy start?

The olive allergy season coincides with the pollination of this tree, which usually occurs between April and June, although it can vary depending on the region and climatic conditions.

During this period, olive flowers release large amounts of pollen into the air, increasing the risk of allergies. If you live in an area with a high concentration of olive trees, it is advisable to take extra precautions during these months.

How to prevent and treat olive allergy

Although there is no definitive cure for olive allergy, there are recommendations for treating olive allergy that can help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life:

Avoid exposure to pollen:

• Keep windows closed during peak pollen concentration hours (usually in the morning).
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Avoid outdoor activities on windy days or during high pollination.

Regular cleaning:

• Wash your clothes and sheets regularly to remove pollen particles.
• Shower upon arriving home to remove pollen from your skin and hair.

Use of medications:

• Antihistamines and decongestants can help relieve symptoms.
• In more severe cases, the doctor may recommend allergy vaccines.

Air purifiers:

• Use air purifiers at home to reduce the presence of pollen indoors.

The olive tree: more than a source of allergies

Despite being a common cause of allergies, the olive tree is a tree of great cultural and economic importance in Spain. Its fruits, olives, are the basis of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, one of the most valued products in our gastronomy.

Additionally, olive leaves have medicinal properties, as we explain in our article about the properties of the olive leaf. We recommend you take a look.

Olive harvesting and its benefits

If you wonder when olives are harvested, the answer depends on the variety and the type of oil to be produced. It is important to know what aspects to consider, as olive harvesting is a key process to obtain quality olive oil.

Also, you should know that there are multiple types of olives, each with unique characteristics that make them ideal for different culinary uses.

In short, olive allergy is a very common condition that can significantly affect quality of life during the pollination season. But fortunately, with the right measures, it is possible to reduce symptoms and enjoy all that this emblematic tree offers us.