Grass Allergy Symptoms

A lot of people are vulnerable to an allergy caused by grass, upon being around it, or coming into contact with it. This means, they cannot enjoy spring and summer outdoor activities as pleasurably as does everyone else. There are several types of grass, but the ones that are most likely to cause a grass allergy are Johnson grass, sweet vernal grass, Kentucky bluegrass, Timothy grass, orchard grass, Bermuda grass and Redtop grass.

A grass allergy is very common in children, though it may develop at any age. Even the elderly can suddenly develop a grass allergy. Studies have shown that grass allergies may be hereditary. Reactions to a grass allergy may resemble those caused by hay fever, another allergic reaction that occurs mostly during spring. Here, we spell out the symptoms and causes of grass allergies, as well as ways of fighting this summer problem.

Symptoms

An allergic reaction is mainly caused when the immune system is oversensitive, and any contact with the allergen leads to the outbreak of several conditions, that are known as the symptoms of that particular allergic reaction. The symptoms of grass allergy are similar to those experienced when a person suffers from asthma or hay fever. Upon exposure to grass, the following allergy symptoms may be noticed.

• Watery, Red and Itchy Eyes: This means that if you have a grass allergy, you are likely to develop conjunctivitis. This will cause the eyes to swell up, and become itchy.
• Breathing Difficulties: Wheezing, sneezing, a runny nose or a congested nose can all occur, contributing to a breathing problem.
• Fatigue: Due to such reactions, you may experience fatigue, along with headaches and fever, and a general tiredness where you are unable to cope with the strength demanded by your body to perform even the basic activities.
• Severe Cough: A dry cough is one of the most prominent symptoms of a grass allergy, resulting in an itchy throat that causes a lot of irritation.
• Itchy Skin: Rash breakout, including hives, swelling and bumps all over the body, resulting in redness and itching is another symptom of a grass allergy.

Causes

The symptoms of grass allergies are mainly triggered by pollen present in the grass. This phase is most common during the spring and summer months. Pollen is not visible to the naked eye, and can easily be breathed in without realizing. In some cases, even physical contact with grass can result in these symptoms. As mentioned earlier, 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 for the body, and trigger these symptoms.

Prevention

Firstly, if the symptoms of a grass allergy are experienced, and are severe in some cases, a doctor should be notified immediately. Sometimes an allergic reaction may be chronic and result in a case that will worsen over time. For instance, if you experience fever, then a doctor should be notified immediately. Those who suffer from grass allergies will have to avoid contact with grass. It is the best way of preventing the onset of those uncomfortable symptoms. Furthermore, installing an air purifier or air conditioner, to keep the air in the house clean and pure is a good way of ensuring that pollen does not prevail in the air within the house.

Allergy relief can also be provided with the prescription of antihistamines, and other nasal sprays and eye drops, including injections, that are meant to reduce the symptoms of grass allergies. Do note that the medication is used only to get rid of the symptoms and not the allergy itself. The only way to treat the allergy is to undergo a procedure called immunotherapy, that attacks the root cause of the grass allergy. That means, a small amount of allergens are injected into the body, and then slowly increased, so that the body becomes immune to the allergen, and does not cause the allergic reaction that is normally experienced upon exposure to grass.

However, this is a prolonged procedure, and until it becomes effective, the only way to control the breakout of symptoms of a grass allergy is to avoid grass at any cost.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of an expert.