Grass Pollen Allergy Symptoms

Grass pollen allergy is a common cause of symptoms that affects 10 to 30% of children and adults in the United States. It's also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever, and it usually happens during late spring and summer, from April to early June. However, grass pollen can be around in warmer areas all year, and it can overlap with other pollen seasons from trees and weeds. It's important to know that grass pollen is very light and can travel long distances with the wind, so people can get exposed to it from many different places, not just where they live.​

What are the Symptoms of Grass Pollen Allergy?

Grass pollen allergy symptoms can last for a long time and can be very uncomfortable. When we breathe in pollen, our body's immune system reacts, causing inflammation and discomfort in various parts of the body:

Nasal Symptoms: sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy nose

Ocular Symptoms: red eyes, watery eyes, itchy eyes, and puffy eyes

Skin Reactions: rashes, hives, and eczema flare-ups

Respiratory Symptoms: cough, chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath

Throat and Ear Issues: itchy throat, itchy ears, and swollen throat

Other Symptoms: fatigue, impaired concentration, increased sinus infections, and impact on asthma

How to Manage Grass Pollen Allergy?

Professional Consultation and Diagnosis

It's important to talk to a healthcare professional, such as an allergist, if you suspect that you have an allergy to grass pollen. They can help you figure out what's causing your symptoms and recommend the best course of action. To confirm whether or not you have a grass pollen allergy, you may need to take some allergy tests, such as skin prick tests or blood tests. These tests will help your doctor determine the best way to manage your allergy symptoms.

Home Environment Control

To keep your home free of grass pollen and allergens, you can use an air conditioning system with a special filter. During times when there's a lot of pollen outside, it's a good idea to keep your windows and doors closed as much as possible. You can also create some habits that will help to keep pollen out of your home. For example, you can take off your shoes before coming inside, change your clothes after spending time outside, cover your hair when you're outdoors, and take a shower after spending a lot of time outside. These simple steps can make your home a more comfortable and healthy place to be.

Medication

To manage grass pollen allergy symptoms, over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids can be effective, especially when started before pollen season. If these don't provide complete relief, immunotherapy, including allergy shots (Subcutaneous immunotherapy) and allergy tablets (Sublingual immunotherapy), can be beneficial. Allergy shots involve increasing doses of allergens and are administered in a doctor's office, while allergy tablets are taken at home. Both treatments aim to reduce sensitivity to allergens, but they can have side effects, making it important to discuss options with a doctor.

When to See a Doctor?

If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or not relieved by over-the-counter medications, it’s important to see a doctor. They can offer more specific treatments, such as immunotherapy, and help manage any complications like asthma.