Seasonal allergies in Spain: how to prevent and manage symptoms
Spain’s sunshine and outdoor lifestyle are among the reasons many people choose to live here. But a different climate, unfamiliar plants and regional pollen patterns can also mean allergy symptoms appear at times you did not expect.
Seasonal allergies, often called hay fever, are usually caused by an immune reaction to airborne allergens such as pollen or mould spores. They commonly affect the nose and eyes, but can also disturb sleep, concentration and everyday routines.
For expats, the challenge is not only recognising the symptoms. It is also understanding when local pollen levels are high, where to seek advice and how to explain symptoms in a healthcare system that may still feel unfamiliar.
For a broader overview of accessing care, read our guide to healthcare in Spain for expats.
What are seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies are a form of allergic rhinitis. They occur when the immune system reacts to particles in the air that are normally harmless, most commonly pollen. The reaction can inflame the lining of the nose and may also affect the eyes, throat and airways.
The term “hay fever” can be misleading because fever is not a typical symptom. Some respiratory allergies are seasonal, while others can cause symptoms throughout the year. Dust mites, mould and animal dander, for example, are usually considered perennial allergens, although symptoms may worsen when humidity, ventilation or time spent indoors changes.
Why can allergies feel different after moving to Spain?
There is no single allergy calendar for the whole of Spain. Pollen patterns vary between coastal and inland areas, the north and south, mainland Spain and the islands. The plants around you may also be different from those in your previous country.
Someone who was affected mainly in late spring before moving may notice symptoms earlier or later in Spain. Local weather also matters. Wind, dry conditions, rain and humidity can all influence the amount of pollen and mould spores in the air.
Rather than relying on a fixed national timetable, try to identify your own triggers and check local pollen levels on the website of the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC), especially at the times of year when your symptoms usually appear.
Common symptoms of seasonal allergies
- Repeated sneezing
- A runny or blocked nose
- Itching in the nose, throat, mouth or ears
- Red, itchy or watery eyes
- Coughing or post-nasal drip
- Pressure around the forehead or sinuses
- Tiredness, poor sleep or difficulty concentrating
Symptoms can continue for weeks or months while exposure continues. Itchy eyes and nose, repeated sneezing and clear nasal discharge often point towards an allergy. Fever and general body aches are less typical. However, respiratory symptoms can have many causes, so seek professional advice if you are unsure rather than relying on self-diagnosis.
What can trigger seasonal allergies in Spain?
The timing and intensity of allergy symptoms depend on the region, the weather and the specific allergen. With autumn approaching, the following guide begins with the triggers that may be most relevant at this time of year before looking at other seasonal patterns.
| Period | Possible triggers | What expats should know |
|---|---|---|
| Late summer and autumn | Some weed pollens, mould spores and greater exposure to indoor allergens | Autumn symptoms are not always caused by pollen. Humidity, mould and dust mites may also be involved. |
| Late winter and early spring | Cypress and other tree pollens in some areas | Symptoms can begin before the period many people think of as the main spring allergy season. |
| Spring and early summer | Grasses, olive, plane, plantain and other regional pollens | This is the main period for many pollen-allergy sufferers, but the dominant species differs by location. |
| Any time of year | Dust mites, mould and animal dander | These are not strictly seasonal, but changes in ventilation, heating, humidity or indoor routines can cause flare-ups. |
Two people living in different parts of Spain may therefore experience very different allergy seasons. Your symptoms, location and medical history are more useful than a generic calendar.
How to reduce exposure and manage symptoms
Check conditions before planning outdoor activities
When pollen levels are high, consider changing the time or location of a walk, run or cycle ride. Dry and windy days can be particularly difficult for some people. Wraparound sunglasses or a face covering may help reduce contact with airborne particles when symptoms are troublesome.
Limit the amount of pollen entering your home and car
- Keep windows closed when local pollen levels are high, particularly in bedrooms.
- Use the car’s ventilation system and keep the pollen filter properly maintained.
- Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors.
- Avoid drying clothes and bedding outside on high-pollen days.
- Vacuum regularly, ideally with a HEPA filter, and remove dust with a damp cloth.
Pay attention to indoor allergens
If symptoms worsen in autumn or winter, pollen may not be the only explanation. Check for damp or mould, clean air-conditioning and ventilation filters, wash bedding regularly and reduce dust traps where possible. Ventilate the home when outdoor allergen levels are lower rather than keeping it permanently closed.
Ask a pharmacist or doctor about treatment
Treatment depends on the symptoms, their severity and your medical history. A pharmacist or doctor may recommend antihistamines, a corticosteroid nasal spray, allergy eye drops or saline rinses. Some treatments work best when started before your usual allergy season and used consistently.
Decongestant nasal sprays may sometimes be used for short-term relief, but prolonged use can make congestion worse. Immunotherapy may be considered after assessment by an allergy specialist when symptoms are persistent or severe.
Always ask for professional advice before choosing a treatment, particularly for children, during pregnancy, if you have another health condition or if you take other medicines.
When should you seek medical advice?
Speak to a doctor if your symptoms interfere with sleep, work or normal activities, keep returning without a clear trigger, do not improve with appropriate pharmacy treatment or are accompanied by wheezing, shortness of breath or recurrent sinus problems.
A doctor or allergy specialist can review the pattern of your symptoms and may recommend skin-prick or blood tests to identify the responsible allergens. Seek urgent medical help if you develop severe breathing difficulty, faintness or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat.
Healthcare in Spain, with support in English
With GENERALI EXPAT Medcare, expats living in Spain can access over 51,000 medical centres, hospitals and healthcare professionals, with quicker access to specialists and diagnostic tests. An English-language app is also available, allowing you to manage appointments, authorisations and prescriptions, and access medical video consultations from your mobile.
Explore health insurance for expats in Spain
Living well with seasonal allergies in Spain
Seasonal allergies can affect far more than your nose and eyes. Interrupted sleep, tiredness and difficulty concentrating can make work and everyday routines harder. They may also discourage you from exercising outdoors or enjoying the activities that are part of life in Spain.
Once you know your triggers, small adjustments can make a significant difference. Follow local pollen information, plan outdoor activities around your own symptom pattern, keep prescribed or recommended treatment available and seek medical advice when symptoms are no longer easy to manage.
Enjoy life in Spain without letting allergies take over
Seasonal allergies do not have to stop you enjoying life in Spain. Learning the local pattern, reducing exposure and getting professional advice when needed can make symptoms easier to manage.
Need easier access to healthcare in Spain?
Discover health insurance from Generali Expatriates, designed for expats living in Spain, with access to an extensive medical network, specialists, digital services and support in English.
Learn more about health insurance | Request a personalised quote
Find an agent near you who speaks your language
Frequently asked questions about seasonal allergies in Spain
Can seasonal allergies start after moving to Spain?
Yes. Some people notice allergy symptoms for the first time after moving, while others find that an existing allergy follows a different pattern. This may be linked to different plants, longer pollen seasons or greater exposure to a particular allergen. A medical assessment is the best way to confirm the cause.
Are autumn allergies common in Spain?
Some people do experience symptoms in autumn, but pollen is not always responsible. Depending on the region and the weather, possible triggers include weed pollens, mould spores and dust mites. Persistent autumn symptoms should be assessed rather than automatically treated as hay fever.
How can I tell the difference between an allergy and a cold?
Allergies often cause itching, watery eyes, repeated sneezing and clear nasal discharge, and may continue while exposure lasts. A cold usually improves within one or two weeks and may be accompanied by fever or general aches. There can be overlap, so ask a healthcare professional if you are uncertain.
Can a pharmacy in Spain help with allergy symptoms?
A pharmacist can advise on suitable non-prescription options and explain how to use them. See a doctor if symptoms are severe, persistent, affect your breathing or do not improve.
When should I see an allergy specialist?
Specialist assessment may be helpful when the trigger is unclear, symptoms are recurrent or severe, asthma is involved, standard treatment is not working or immunotherapy is being considered.