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At Peak Plane-Tree Season, Buenos Aires Health Experts Urge Simple Protections

Doctors say most discomfort is irritation rather than true allergy.

Overview

  • Specialists report the city is in its mid‑October peak for plane‑tree fluff and pollen, with conditions easing toward late November and improving by December.
  • Rain helps clear particles from the air, while dry, windy days intensify dispersal and symptoms, according to hospital clinicians.
  • The floating “fluff” consists of seed fibers that irritate mechanically, whereas the pollen triggers allergies; roughly 90% of complaints are irritation and about 10% true immune reactions, the allergy society says.
  • Common symptoms include runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, nasal congestion, and occasional bronchospasm, with guidance to seek medical care if symptoms persist.
  • Authorities estimate about 70,000 plane trees—around 15% of the urban canopy—line Buenos Aires, and experts favor pruning, cleaning and gradual species replacement over mass removal.