Allergy to pollen grains from Amaranthaceae and Chenopodiaceae in Cordoba, Spain. Annual and daily variation of pollen concentration.

We have studied the annual and daily variation of pollen grains from Amaranthaceae and Chenopodiaceae for 3 consecutive years. Samples of pollen grains from both families, which make a stenopalynologic group, were collected by the volumetric method with the aid of a Burkard spore-trap. These pollen grains were found to occur in the atmosphere of the city of Córdoba virtually throughout the year, although their presence was continual only between April and October with maximum concentrations detected in the summer months. We have also studied the daily variation of pollen concentration, which peaked between 10 AM and 3 PM. In order to determine the incidence of pollinotic patients sensitive to pollen grains from Chenopodium, we reviewed 1000 clinical records available in the Allergy Unit and found 8.42% to be allergic. On evaluation of the time evolution of the symptoms we found that most patients continued to show them until September each year.