An allergic response happens when you come into contact with or breathe in a chemical you are allergic to. Grass allergies arise when you inhale pollen from the kind of grass that triggers your immune system.
Medically reviewed by Dr K on 24th June 2022.
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Types Of Grass Allergies And How To Reduce Exposure From It
Allergies to grass and weeds are often caused by the pollens produced by the plants. If the smell of freshly cut grass or a stroll in the park makes your nose run or your eyes itch, you’re not alone. The grass may be an issue for many individuals.
There are, however, techniques to control your grass allergy and reduce symptoms to a minimum. Continue reading to learn about prevention and treatment options.
An allergic response happens when you come into contact with or breathe in a chemical to which you are allergic. Grass allergies arise when you inhale pollen from the kind of grass that triggers your immune system.
If you feel you have a grass allergy but have not yet been diagnosed, your doctor may do a skin test to confirm the presence of your allergies and discover what is causing them. The allergen might trigger a variety of responses in your body, depending on the degree of your allergy.
Source - The Tree Farm
Grass allergy symptoms
Grass pollen allergy symptoms might appear rapidly or gradually after coming into touch with the allergen. The following are the most prevalent symptoms:
- runny or stuffy nose
- itchy throat, mouth, skin, or eyes
- puffy eyes
- fatigue
- headache or sinus pressure
- sneezing
- teary eyes
- hives
- coughing
Contact your doctor if you are experiencing mild trouble breathing. However, if you are experiencing severe difficulty breathing, get emergency medical treatment.
Common grass allergies
You might be allergic to a particular type of grass or many. Identifying exactly the sort of grass that is causing your allergy will help you in attempting to avoid it. The following are the most prevalent grasses that induce allergies:
- Johnsongrass
- ryegrass
- Bermuda grass
- sweet vernal grass
- Kentucky bluegrass
- timothy grass
- orchard grass
Grass allergy treatment
The easiest method to treat your grass allergy is to avoid the allergen, which is often easier said than done. If you can’t avoid grass, here are four strategies to lessen your responses to it:
Reduce your exposure
When possible, avoid being near the grass that bugs you. You may want to forgo mowing your lawn or hire someone to do it for you.
Wear gloves and goggles to protect your skin and eyes from the grass. Do not hang your clothes to dry outdoors. Pollen may get embedded in your clothing, towels, and bedding.
Keep an eye on the pollen count
Avoid going outdoors as much as possible if the grass pollen count is high. The pollen count can be found online. Learn when the maximum grass pollen concentrations occur in your region.
If you must go outside, don a pollen mask. You can buy it online or at your local pharmacy.
Keep the outdoors out
If you’ve gone outdoors, change your clothing when you get back inside. After being exposed to grass, try to take a shower.
When pollen counts are high or your lawn is being mowed, keep your windows closed. This will help keep grass pollen at bay.
Take medicine
If you have a mild allergy to grass, you can treat it with over-the-counter allergy medication. If your allergy is severe or frequent, your doctor may advise you to take one of the following medications:
- nasal corticosteroid sprays
- prescription antihistamines
- immunotherapy shots
- prescription decongestants
Outlook
Most grass allergy symptoms can be readily controlled by avoiding contact with your allergen. Having antihistamines and decongestants on hand or in your medication cabinet may aid when you need to go outside in close proximity to grass.
Seek medical assistance right away if you have severe chest tightness and shortness of breath.
Sources
https://www.healthline.com/health/grass-allergy
