Pollen in Brussels: 2026 allergy calendar for Anderlecht

The 2026 pollen calendar in Brussels

Like the rest of the Brussels-Capital Region, Anderlecht is exposed to three major waves of pollen every year. The first begins as early as February with pollen from early-flowering trees (hazel, alder), followed in April–May by birch — the most allergenic — then oak, ash and plane. The second wave, from May to July, is dominated by grasses, which affect up to 25% of Belgians. Finally, in August–September, herbaceous plants (mugwort, ragweed) take over.

The Sciensano monitoring network publishes the concentrations measured in Brussels every week. You can view this data in real time at airallergy.sciensano.be.

Symptoms: when should you see a GP in Anderlecht?

Seasonal allergic rhinitis typically shows up as bouts of sneezing, a clear runny nose, itchy eyes and watery eyes. A blocked nose and marked tiredness often appear in the second week. If your symptoms last more than four days a week for more than four consecutive weeks, this is called persistent rhinitis. A consultation is then recommended.

Children under 6 who sneeze repeatedly in spring should also be assessed: allergic asthma frequently starts at this age.

First-line treatments in 2026

Management rests on three pillars: avoidance (limiting time outdoors in the morning during peaks, showering after a walk, washing your hair), second-generation antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine), which no longer cause drowsiness, and nasal corticosteroids (mometasone, fluticasone) for marked nasal symptoms. For the eyes, single-dose antihistamine eye drops provide rapid relief.

If the condition remains disabling despite these treatments, your GP can refer you for specific desensitisation (sublingual or injectable immunotherapy), reimbursed at 80% by INAMI on prescription. The protocol generally lasts three years.

Local tips for Anderlecht residents (1070)

Parc Astrid, Parc Marie-José and the canal banks are areas particularly exposed to birch pollen in spring. Choose walks in the late afternoon, after a shower of rain, when concentrations drop. Air your home between 10 pm and 6 am, when the air is cleaner.

At Maison Médicale Parc Astrid, our GPs provide follow-up included in the INAMI flat-rate (forfait): initial consultation, prescription, seasonal adjustment and referral to an allergist if needed. Register as a new patient to benefit from this follow-up.

Do you need allergy tests?

Skin tests (prick tests) are indicated if simple avoidance and symptomatic treatment are not enough, or before considering desensitisation. They are quick, only mildly painful and carried out during a specialist consultation. A blood test (specific IgE) can complete the work-up in children or in cases of polysensitisation.

Good habit: note your symptoms in a diary (date, intensity, context) for two weeks before the consultation. This information helps the doctor enormously to pinpoint the allergens responsible.