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Grasses pollinate during mid-summer from May to August. The most profusely pollinating grasses are timothy, rye, cocksfoot, meadow and fescue.

Who is affected?

Grass allergy is very common in children, although it may develop at any age. Even the elderly can suddenly develop a grass allergy. Studies have shown that grass allergies may be hereditary. Grass allergy symptoms may resemble those caused by hay fever, another allergic reaction that occurs mostly during spring.

The source of all allergies should be identified wherever possible by the doctor, so that exposure to the offending allergen can be minimised.

What Causes Grass Allergy Symptoms?

Grass allergy symptoms are mainly triggered by pollen present in the grass. This phase is most common during the late spring and summer months. Pollen is not visible to the naked eye, and can easily be breathed in without realising. In some cases, even physical contact with grass can result in these grass allergy symptoms. If the body has an extremely sensitive immune system, it is likely to react to the presence of a foreign substance that is considered dangerous to the body, and trigger these symptoms.

Symptoms

Watering, itchy eyes

Grass allergy sufferers are likely to develop conjunctivitis. This will cause the eyes to swell up, and become itchy. The nose and in severe cases, the skin, may also itch.

Dry Cough

A persistent, dry cough is the most common symptom of grass allergies. The cough may be accompanied with a sore throat and will sound like a hack or wheeze.

Breathing difficulties

As the grass pollen is breathed in, a grass allergy will cause the bronchial tubes to constrict. This constriction will cause difficulty in breathing. If an individual has a serious allergy to grass pollen, the difficulty in breathing associated with grass allergy can become an asthma attack.

Sneezing

Grass pollen will irritate the lining of the nose and cause a histamine reaction. This reaction to grass allergy will result in sneezing and a blocked or runny nose, as the nasal passages try to sneeze out the pollen.

Fatigue

There may be a general feeling of fatigue or fever as a result of a severe grass allergy.

Treatment

Because grass allergies are seasonal, most sufferers can alleviate their symptoms with over-the-counter drugs, particularly anti-histamine drugs. Allergy relief can also be provided with the prescription of antihistamines, and other nasal sprays and eye drops, including injections, that are used to reduce the symptoms of grass allergies. There are natural remedies also, of which the efficacy varies from person to person.

Avoiding Grass Allergies

Firstly, if the symptoms of a grass allergy are experienced, and are severe, a doctor should be notified immediately. Sometimes an allergic reaction may be chronic and result in symptoms that will worsen over time. Those who suffer from grass allergies will have to avoid contact with grass. It is the most effective way of preventing the onset of troublesome symptoms. Furthermore, installing an air purifier, air conditioner or ioniser to keep the air in the house pollen-free, is a good way of ensuring that symptoms are not provoked indoors.

Allergy relief can also be provided with the prescription of antihistamines, and other nasal sprays and eye drops, including injections, which will reduce the symptoms of grass allergies.

When venturing outdoors, sufferers should wear wrap-around sunglasses, which will help avoid contact with pollen. Notice should be taken of the prevailing weather and associated pollen counts. If the symptoms do not respond to treatment, wherever possible, avoid going outside when pollen counts are high.

Keep the car windows closed when driving.

After being outside, change outer clothes and wash face and hands to eliminate any pollen deposits. Wash your hair before going to bed, so that pollen does not get deposited on the pillow.

Ensure washing is dried indoors during the pollen season. Hanging it on an outside washing line will ensure pollen will be deposited on its surface.

The effects (and cause), of all but the mildest allergy should be initially evaluated by a doctor, who will advise on the most suitable treatments - whether they be over the counter or on prescription.