Grass Allergy

Grass pollen allergy, as the name suggests, is an allergic reaction that develops when a person comes in contact with grass. The pollen found in the grass actually cause the allergy. Secondly, some people are also allergic to insecticides, fertilizers and pesticides sprayed on the grass and suffer from allergic reactions when they come in contact with grass. Grass allergy is a seasonal allergy experienced in early spring and summer. People of any age group can suffer from allergies caused due to grass.

Grass Pollen Allergy Causes

Similar to other allergies, allergy to grass is caused due to hypersensitivity of the immune system. As mentioned above, pollen is the most prominent cause of this allergy. The pollens are tiny particles found flying freely in the grass. When human beings inhale in this environment, the pollen enter the respiratory system. The hypersensitivity of the immune system triggers off a reaction which results in allergic symptoms. This occurs as in some cases, the immune system is unable to differentiate between harmful and harmless particles. Therefore, although harmless, pollen can lead to an allergic reaction. As children and older people have a weak immune system, they are more prone to suffer from this condition. On the other hand, the fertilizers used in lawns can also lead to allergies. Let us take a look at the symptoms of allergy caused due to grass.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of this allergy are similar to most of the other airborne allergies. The symptoms of this condition appear more severe in case of children and older people. The following are the symptoms observed in children and adults.

• Difficulty in breathing
• Dry cough
• Malaise
• Headache
• Itchiness in eyes
• Constant watering of eyes
• Runny and stuffy nose

Along with these symptoms, constant irritation is also experienced due to the discomfort causing symptoms. The person may also experience a feeling of fatigue and sleeplessness.

Treatment

If a person observes any of these symptoms, he should consult the doctor. In minor cases, the symptoms subside in itself by taking over-the-counter medications for cough and stuffy nose. The doctor may also prescribe medications that help in getting rid of all other symptoms and quick allergy relief. There are several medications like antihistamines that help in quick relief.

Secondly there are several ointments, emollients and lotions that help in treating allergy rash. Eye drops can also be used to treat itchiness and watering of eyes. Grass allergy is not serious, and in most of the cases, can be treated effectively with the help of medications. However, in some cases, it can turn into an emergency. If the person has a difficulty in breathing, the condition should be treated as an emergency. Emergency usually occurs in case the person suffer from asthma or any other chronic respiratory disease.

Along with these treatment methods, there are several preventive measures that help in keeping this condition at bay. A person found to suffer from this allergy should keep away from grass and pollen completely. On the other hand, if the grass is very near the home, one should use an air conditioner in the home for proper air ventilation. It is also advisable to wash pets as the pollen also get stuck to the pet's bodies. Lastly, it is best to stay away from the grass in spring and summer.

As a concluding note, one should remember that this is a non-serious condition in most of the cases, but, it is advisable to follow the preventive measures to avoid it from occurring in the future. Take care!