Tips to Manage Grass Allergy

Grass allergy is caused due to the pollen released from the grass. Grass pollen become airborne and can travel long distances, triggering grass allergies.   Some of the species of grass which cause allergies are Johnson grass, Bermuda grass, orchard grass, redtop grass, sweet vernal grass, and Timothy grass.

Grass allergy is caused when our immune system mistakenly identifies grass pollen as harmful and reacts against it. The symptoms of grass allergy are:

• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Hives

In some cases grass allergy can also result anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Hence, it is important to carry self-injectable Epinephrine to prevent anaphylaxis

Grass Allergy Testing:
An allergist can determine if you have grass allergy. For testing, the allergist can perform blood test or allergy skin test for grass allergy

Tips to Manage Grass Allergies:
Grass allergies are common during late spring and summer, when the grass pollinate. Here are a few tips to manage grass allergies

• Check for pollen count and stay indoors when the pollen count is high
• After coming from outside clean yourself to remove the traces of grass pollen
• Do not dry sheets, clothes outside as they can catch pollen
• Brush your pets after they come from outside to eliminate the pollen
• Keep the lawn short to minimize pollen production
• Use a HEPA filter in your bedroom and use HEPA-enabled vacuum cleaner to get rid of the grass pollen

For grass allergy, treatment includes anti-histamines, nasal steroid sprays and decongestants. Long-term treatment includes allergy shots or immunothereapy which can help you to overcome grass allergy. Grass pollen cannot be avoided, however, with proper precautions and medications, you can manage grass allergy effectively