Many people across the world have a grass allergy. Despite the name, a person has an allergic response not to the grass itself but to the pollen that it releases.
People may also refer to a grass allergy as seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Hay fever occurs when a person’s immune system mistakes a normally harmless airborne substance, such as grass pollen, as a threat. In response, the body releases chemicals, including histamine, which triggers allergy symptoms.
According to the
This article covers the types of grass allergy, as well as their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) state that only a few types of grass can cause allergy symptoms. They also note that depending on where a person lives, various grasses may be responsible for the symptoms, which they can trigger at different times of the year.
Pollination differs between the northern and southern regions of the U.S. For example, late spring and early summer represent the pollen season for northern regions. On the other hand, in southern regions, grasses may pollinate throughout the year.
The AAFA state that the types of grass that most commonly cause allergies are:
- Bermuda grass
- johnsongrass
- Kentucky grass
- orchard grass
- ryegrass
- sweet vernal grass
- timothy grass
The symptoms of a grass allergy can include:
- sneezing
- stuffiness
- a runny nose
- red and watery eyes
- swelling around the eyes
- itchiness in the nose, roof of the mouth, throat, eyes, or, sometimes, ears
- worsening asthma symptoms
Grass pollen allergies are one of the most common allergies in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNS). The AAO-HNS recommend avoiding the allergens as much as possible.
Grass allergy symptoms are often less obvious on rainy, cloudy days or when there is little to no wind. Conversely, hot, dry, and windy weather spreads pollen around more, which can increase a person’s allergy symptoms.
If a person is unsure whether they have a grass allergy, a doctor can conduct tests to find out.
Doctors use two tests to diagnose a grass pollen allergy:
- Skin prick test: The skin prick test involves pricking the skin and placing a liquid form of an allergen on the spot. If a person is allergic to that particular substance, an itchy, red bump will appear within 15 minutes.
- Specific IgE blood test: If a blood test is necessary, the doctor will send a sample to a lab, where technicians will look for antibodies that the body has created as a reaction to the suspected allergen.
A person should seek medical attention if OTC medications do not provide adequate relief, as a doctor can design a plan with an individual to tackle the symptoms.
Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that can help prevent or reduce the severity of allergic reactions. For grass allergies, there are two forms:
- Allergy shots: A person will get injections of allergens in an increasing dosage over time. These take place in a medical setting.
- Allergy tablets: A person will place a tablet containing the allergen under the tongue and then swallow it. They can do this at home.
A doctor will advise on how suitable immunotherapy is for an individual.
If a person has allergies, it is crucial to seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur, as they can be a sign of anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency:
- swelling of the throat and mouth
- difficulty breathing
- lightheadedness
- confusion
- blue skin or lips
- collapsing and losing consciousness
Call 911 if a person experiences any of these symptoms.
Grass allergies are not deadly, but they can make a person very uncomfortable. Many people with a grass allergy may also have asthma, and their allergy can trigger an asthma attack, which can be serious.
Usually, grass allergies are very manageable, with numerous treatment options available. A grass allergy should not affect a person’s quality of life.