Overview
Many people across the world have Grass Allergies. Grass allergies are very common. If walking on the grass in a park causes your eye to itch and your nose to run, then you are not alone.
Grass can create difficulty for many people. Allergy to grass commonly comes from the pollen the plant creates.
However, there are ways in which you can manage your grass allergic reaction to retain reactions to a minimum. This article covers the symptoms of grass allergies, as well as types, Causes, diagnoses, and treatments.
What are Grass Allergies?
When you come in contact, or breath in a substance you are allergic to, then the allergic reaction takes place. Some people may also refer to grass allergy as seasonal allergy or hay fever.
Severe hay fever symptoms occur when the human immune system detects and overreacts to something outside, such as grass pollen which commonly results in no issue in most people.
Grass allergy Symptoms
Grass allergy symptoms can develop quickly or after some time after coming in contact with the allergen. The symptoms may include:
- Puffy Eyes
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Fatigue
- Itchy eyes, mouth, skin, or throat, and sometimes ears
- Teary eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Hives
- Worsening asthma symptoms
- Chest tightness and trouble breathing
If you have difficulty in breathing, contact your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention, if you have severe trouble taking a breath.
Common Grass Allergies
There are hundreds of different types of grasses. You might be allergic to any type of grass. The types that often trigger allergies are:
- Johnson Grass
- Bermuda Grass
- Rye Grass
- Kentucky Grass
- Orchard Grass
- Timothy Grass
- Sweet Vernal Grass
- Redtop Grass
These are the types that mostly trigger an allergic reaction in most people.
Causes
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) in the U.S, grass pollens are the most common cause of grass allergies. The AAO-HNS (American Academy of Otolaryngology)- (Head and Neck Surgery Foundation) recommends avoiding allergens as much as possible.
The symptoms of grass allergies are frequently less appears on rainy days, or when there is less or no wind. Oppositely, Dry, hot, and windy weather, can spread more pollens around and might be responsible for increasing symptoms in a person.
Diagnosis of Grass Allergies
Grass allergy diagnosis usually involves allergy testing. If you doubt that you have grass allergy symptoms but haven’t received an allergy diagnosis yet, your physician can do allergy tests, to find out the existence of your allergies and identify what may be causing them.
There are normally two types of allergy testing an allergy skin prick test and a Blood test. In an allergy skin prick test, a liquid drop of grass extract is pricked on the skin surface of the forearm or back. If within 15 minutes or so, the red raised area develops, then the test is positive indicating a grass allergy.
In a blood test, blood is taken from the body and sent to the laboratory to determine whether you are allergic to grass or not. These tests should be performed and ordered by an allergist and specialist.
Grass Allergy Treatment
The only treatment capable of acting on the cause of the allergy to grasses is the anti-allergic vaccine. The anti-allergic vaccine consists of the administration of small doses of a specific allergen extract.
It helps in the reduction of the organism’s sensitivity towards that particular allergen. Because the allergy vaccine acts progressively and gradually on the causes and not on the symptoms.
One may feel that it is not effective, because there is no immediate reduction in symptoms. In fact, the immune system is slowly accustomed to the presence of the allergen.
The therapy is so effective if applied constantly in the doses and times established by the doctor. The therapeutic program is spread over several years from a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 5.
During the 1st year, the effectiveness in reducing symptoms may even be mild. But from the 2nd year, it is possible to observe the significant improvements. From the 3rd year, the allergic person should be completely desensitized. However, the duration of the treatment is largely compensated by its effectiveness.
Some Useful Tips
The first and inevitable piece of advice we give is to book a visit to an allergy specialist. Especially if you cannot control the symptoms of your allergy and inquire about allergy shots.
- Avoid going out during dry and windy days. when pollen finds “fertile ground” to spread into the environment.
- Contrary to popular belief, you should avoid going out after a storm. The rain breaks the pollen grains into even smaller fragments, which so reach the airways more easily, and in greater depth.
- Avoid traveling by car or train with the windows open. If possible, travel in vehicles with air conditioning and pollen filters.
- When working outdoors it is advisable to use appropriate masks. Avoid physical activity between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Keep an eye on the pollen calendar and, where available, pollen forecasts. Explore a website where it is possible to view the pollen bulletin weekly with an expected trend.
- Avoid aerating the rooms during the hottest hours of the day. It is advisable, where possible, to use air conditioners.
- Shower and wash your hair daily. The pollen grains remain trapped in the hair and settle on the pillows during the night.
- If possible, limit the use of contact lenses because the pollen grains can get “stuck” between the lens and the eye.
- When entering the house, place the used shoes in a closet as soon as possible. So that they do not carry around the allergenic particles.
- Wash the floors often beware of the vacuum cleaner which can raise allergens.
- Carpets, upholstery, and curtains are risky furnishings for allergy sufferers. In these furnishing, the pollen is difficult to remove and can be deposited.
Last Words
- Always wear protective clothing for the protection of your skin and eyes from grass.
- Don’t put your clothes, towel, and sheets (laundry) outside to dry, it is better to dry them at home.
- Avoid going outside, and stay indoors as much as possible, during days of high pollen count.
- Change your clothes immediately once you come indoors from outside during high pollen season.
- Try to take shower after exposure to grass.
- Don’t forget to close your windows during the time of high pollen and when your grass is being cut.
- If you have a severe allergy to grass, you can use the medications to resist the symptoms.
These simple precautions are very often not enough to avoid the onset of symptoms. We advise you to go to an allergist to learn more about your condition.
