Olive pollen allergy

What is olive pollen allergy?

The olive tree is grown across large parts of southern Europe, and pollen levels become very high while it is flowering. The most important allergen is called Ole e 1. If you live in northern or central Europe, olive pollen mainly becomes relevant when you travel to Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal and other Mediterranean countries.

Symptoms

• Sneezing and a runny or blocked nose
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Coughing and asthma symptoms

If you get pollen symptoms on a spring trip to the Mediterranean, the olive tree may be the cause.

When does the olive tree flower?

Olive trees flower from April to June, peaking in May in most Mediterranean countries. The timing varies with climate and altitude.

Cross-reactivity

The olive tree belongs to the same family as ash, lilac and privet, and their allergens are similar. That is why many people with ash pollen allergy who live outside the Mediterranean region have IgE to olive, even though they have never been exposed to olive pollen.

How to get tested

Olive (allergen code t9) is included in our Mediterranean pollen allergy test, together with ash, plane and cypress. You can take the test at any time of year – ideally well before the flowering season or a spring trip south.

Frequently asked questions

Can I be allergic to olive oil?

Olive oil contains very little protein and almost never causes allergic reactions. Olive pollen allergy and allergy to olives as a food are two different things.

Why do I have IgE to olive even though I have never been to the Mediterranean?

It is most likely due to cross-reactivity with ash, which grows across much of Europe and has a similar allergen.