ALLERGEN - OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE)

Overview

The flowering season for Olive is usually between May and June. Pollen from the Olive tree is the most significant allergy-causing agent in the region of the Mediterranean basin. In Spain, the second most prevalent cause of allergy after grasses is Olive. The allergen triggers AR and asthma in patients sensitive to this allergen. As patients with olive pollen allergy show polysensitization (often due to cross-reactivity within its own species), identifying the primary allergen causing the sensitization is essential. Changes in climate and sensitization spectrum of an individual must be recognized so that the exposure to pollens can be prevented as the patient may avoid visiting areas with Olive trees.