Olive allergy

Olive allergy (Olea europaea) is a dominant Mediterranean allergen in Croatia. Olive pollen is typical of the coast, the islands and Istria, and the season lasts from late May to mid-July. Symptoms of olive allergy are intense in Dalmatia and southern Istria due to the vast spread of olive groves.

Typical symptoms of olive allergy are intense sneezing, a runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, redness and swelling of the eyelids. People with asthma may also experience wheezing attacks. Symptoms are strongest in May and June, when olive pollen concentrations along the coast can exceed 200 grains/m³.

The olive season in Croatia lasts from mid-May to mid-July, peaking in June. In southern Dalmatia and on the islands, flowering starts 2-3 weeks earlier than in the northern Adriatic. Olives flower heavily every 2-3 years ('on-years'), when allergy sufferers' symptoms are especially severe.

Olive is a dominant allergen in Dalmatia, on the islands (Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Vis, Dugi otok), in Istria and the Kvarner region. Continental Croatia has minimal olive pollen concentrations. The greatest risk is faced by residents of Split, Šibenik, Zadar, Dubrovnik and the islands.

In May and June, limit time spent in and near olive groves, especially on windy days. Follow the pollen forecast - the jugo and bura winds carry pollen over long distances. Immunotherapy is available and effective for olive allergy, especially for permanent residents of Dalmatia.

Olive pollen cross-reacts with ash (a similar PR-10 protein) and wild olive (Phillyrea), and can cause mild reactions to jasmine tea.

Other allergens