Grass Allergy

A grass allergy is also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis. It’s not an allergy to the actual grass; instead, it is an allergy to the pollen of that particular type of grass. Grass grows in most parts of the United States, but there are many different types of grasses, each with its unique pollen.
Grass pollen is one of the most common causes of seasonal allergies. For people with grass allergy, this pollen can trigger grass allergy symptoms when inhaled. Grass allergy symptoms include cough, runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes.
Grasses start growing after the winter thaws in early Spring and most grasses release pollen by late spring and early summer. Dry and windy days are especially bad for grass pollen as it is very light and the wind can carry it for miles.

Types of Grass Allergies

You may be allergic to only one specific type of grass. Learn what your allergen is and take steps to find ways to avoid it. Some grasses often responsible for allergies include:

• Bermuda Grass
• Johnson Grass
• Kentucky Grass
• Orchard Grass
• Ryegrass
• Sweet Vernal Grass
• Timothy Grass

Symptoms of Grass Pollen Allergy:

Allergic reactions to pollen can sometimes develop quickly. At the same time, they may not show symptoms of an allergic reaction until a certain amount of time has passed after coming in contact with the allergen. The most common symptoms of allergic reactions to pollen include:

• Sneezing
• Stuffiness
• A runny nose
• Red and watery eyes
• Swelling around the eyes
• Itchiness in the nose, the roof of the mouth, throat, eyes, or, sometimes, ears
• Worsening asthma symptoms.

Causes of Grass Allergy:

You can experience grass allergies when you breathe in pollen from certain types of grass seed that you're allergic to. Breathing in the pollen can start an allergic reaction within your body because this is where your immune system attacks the allergen. By attacking the allergen, your body experiences what could be symptoms of grass allergy-like experiencing a sore throat or feeling irritated in your eyes and nose, which makes it difficult for you to breathe comfortably or at all.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Grass Allergy

Diagnosis involves testing to determine whether you are allergic to the grass. If you're not sure whether you have grass allergies or not but are experiencing symptoms, you can undergo allergy testing. Two types of allergy testing include an allergy skin test and a blood test.
The allergist can decide upon the grass allergy treatment options based on the test results.
Treatment options for grass allergy may include over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines and anti-inflammatory nasal sprays. Ideally, you should start these about two weeks before you typically develop seasonal allergy symptoms. Your doctor will decide if immunotherapy might be suitable for your particular case

How to Prevent Grass Allergies

First, it is wise to stay indoors and close your windows during days of high grass pollen count. Showering after being outside to eliminate any residual pollen on the body is a great idea too!

FAQs

What Kinds of Grasses Trigger Allergies?

You may be allergic to only one specific type of grass. Learn what your allergen is and take steps to find ways to avoid it. Some grasses often responsible for allergies include:

• Bermuda grass
• Johnson grass
• Kentucky grass
• Orchard grass
• Ryegrass
• Sweet vernal grass
• Timothy grass

How Do I Know If I'm Allergic to Grass?

A runny nose, itchy eyes, or other nasal and eye symptoms may mean that you have grass allergies. Such symptoms are common in people who have allergies to plants in the ragweed family. Common symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Stuffiness
• A runny nose
• Red and watery eyes
• Swelling around the eyes
• Itchiness in the nose, the roof of the mouth, throat, eyes, or, sometimes, ears

How Can I Manage Grass Allergy Symptoms?

The first step in determining whether you have grass allergies is diagnosis. Always confirm your diagnosis by having a doctor check if the symptoms you are experiencing are that of an allergic reaction. Once there is a confirmation, it's best not to eat strange foods, stay indoors on high pollen days and keep all doors & windows closed - this will help avoid the grass whose pollen has brought all of the trouble. There are some great things you can do asides from keeping indoors when it comes to preventing allergens:

• Keep the grass on your lawn short, reducing its ability to release pollen.
• Take a bath and wash your hair before bedtime to remove pollen from your body and keep it out of your bed.
• Wash all of your bedding at least once a week.
• Change your clothes right away after spending time outdoors.
• Take off your shoes before going inside, and clean your floors at least once a week.
• Chage you HVAC filters every 3 months.

Who Can Help Diagnose and Treat Grass Allergies?

An allergist is a specialist that diagnoses and treats allergies, including grass. Frontier Allergists offers testing and treatment for grass allergy symptoms. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Next steps

If you are interested in further discussion about your specific needs. In that case, Dr. Reshamwala is happy to see you and answer any questions you may have and see you in her office to provide a detailed examination and necessary treatment. To schedule an appointment today, Please call 512-382-1933 or email clinic@frontierallergist.comto schedule an appointment today! Book appointment