Sun and spring temperatures mean that from this month of February 2023 spring can be glimpsed a few weeks in advance. While some are delighted, all allergy sufferers dread the arrival of this spring, synonymous with the return of pollen. The alert levels for certain pollens have already been reached in several French regions. Explanations.
Spring and return of the first pollens
Barely out of winter, we are already confronted with spring pollens, which are reappearing a few weeks in advance. For subjects allergic to pollen, this return marks the return of their usual symptoms: allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis or even asthma.
The early arrival of pollen is directly linked to favorable weather conditions, with sunshine and temperatures closer to those of April than February. To this early arrival of pollen is added heavy air pollution, reinforced by the anticyclonic conditions, which have persisted for several days or weeks. Pollution and pollen form a very harmful cocktail for allergic subjects with an exacerbation of allergic symptoms and a strengthening of the allergenic power of pollen.
Maps to know the level of risk of allergy to pollens in each department
For allergic subjects, the vigilance maps proposed and updated by the RNSA (National Aerobiological Surveillance Network) are a very practical tool for anticipating the first allergic symptoms. These maps indicate by department the level of risk of pollen allergydistinguishing between four levels of risk:
- Zero risk;
- Low risk;
- Average risk;
- The high risk.
As of February 23, 2023, a majority of departments in mainland France were already at a high risk level for pollen allergies, particularly in the south of France. The departments remaining at a moderate level are generally the departments of the Grand Ouest. This information allows allergic subjects to strengthen prevention actions to protect once morest pollen: prevent the entry of pollen into interior spaces and eliminate pollen present on clothing, skin, etc.
Pollens that follow one another over the weeks
The RNSA maps also specify the level of risk for each type of pollentaking into account a multitude of different pollens:
- ambrosias;
- mugwort;
- Alder;
- The work ;
- Charm ;
- Chestnut;
- The Oak ;
- Cupressaceae;
- The ash;
- Grasses;
- The hazel tree;
- Olive Tree ;
- Sorrel;
- Poplar;
- Plantain;
- The plane tree;
- Willow;
- Linden;
- Urticaceae.
Currently, the south of France is particularly affected by Cupressaceae pollen (the cypress in particular). In the South-West, the dominant pollens are alder, hazel and Cupressaceae. Ash pollen is also present, but in lower quantities so far. The flowering of willows and poplars is just beginning and should not pose an allergic risk for a few weeks. The pollen and therefore allergy season is therefore launched more than a month in advance. Bad news for allergy sufferers who will have to deal with runny noses, sneezing and watery eyes, but also a good opportunity to review anti-allergic treatments.
Published on March 15, 2017 by Isabelle V., Scientific journalist Updated by Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy., on February 23, 2023
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