Grass Allergies

Grass allergies are a very common type of pollen allergy to have. Of those who suffer from some form of seasonal allergic rhinitis, about one third develop allergies to grass pollen. Some allergy sufferers find no relief from pollen. From tree pollen allergy in the spring to grass pollen allergy in the summer and ragweed allergy in the fall, they sneeze and wheeze and blow their nose all season long.

Genetics play a role in determining who develops allergies. There is a likelihood of developing allergies if one or your parents have allergies. There is a very high possibility of developing allergies if both parents suffer from some type of hay fever. The specific type of allergic rhinitis is not what you inherit. But you do inherit the tendency to develop some type of allergy. The grass pollen may not be as intense as tree pollen or ragweed, however, grass pollination occurs for a longer period of time which increases the risk of the immune system to become sensitized to the pollen.

Grass - The Allergic Plant

Grasses are part of the graminoids family of plants. Included in this family is bamboo, sugar cane, rice, and oats. It is one of the largest family of plants with more than 8000 known species. The family of grasses is one of the most useful plant to man that there is. Plants from the grass family are used in

• erosion control
• lawns and turfs
• sports; golf and tennis depend on this plant
• making paper, insulation and plastic
• making beer, whiskey, sugar and bread
• food for domestic animals and wildlife
• and much, much, more!

The green color of the plant comes from the chlorophyll inside the grass. The chlorophyll absorbs the sunlight and changes it into a chemical energy for the plant. This process is called photosynthesis which means "putting together with light."

The leaves grow opposite of each other. Each leaf grows on the opposite side of the stem from the one below it. Thus, the third leaf will grow on the same side and above the first leaf. The fourth leaf will grow on the same side and above the second leaf.

Johnson grass	Johnson grass flower

Grass Pollen

Because we keep our yards cut short, we don't tend to think of grass as a flowering plant. The flowers are the fuzzy tops of the grass. They are simple in shape and usually grouped into spikes, and come in many different forms, sizes and shapes. The flower spikes grow just above the leaves.

Grass pollen produced by the flowers are very small in size and can range from 17 to 37 microns. The pollen is the male part of the plant that produces an allergic reaction in those who sensitized to the protein.

Grass pollen is wind pollinated. It is extremely light weight and remains airborne for a very long time. What makes grass allergies so common is the fact that grasses are found everywhere. It is extremely difficult to avoid this type of pollen. Grass accounts for about a quarter of the vegetation on the earth. Thus, it is easy to become sensitized to the pollen in those who have a genetic tendency to develop allergies.

Weather plays a role in grass pollen causing allergic symptoms. Dew from the morning weighs the pollen down and does not allow the release. Rain also slows down the release and cleans the air of the grass pollen that has been released. Sunny and dry days make the ideal conditions for grass pollen to be released.

Bermuda Grass

Grass Allergies

Grass pollen is widely spread and gains access easily into our respiratory passages. Our immune system automatically recognizes the pollen protein as foreign. Having grass allergies means that our immune system responds inappropriately and begins to defend itself from the grass pollen.

The grass pollen stimulates the B-cells to reproduce and to produce specific IgE antibodies. This abundance of IgE antibodies attach themselves onto the surface receptors of mast cells. Mast cells are found in the tissues of ports of entry into the body.

On subsequent exposure, the grass allergen is detected and marked for destruction by the IgE antibody. This is accomplished by the mast cell bursting open and releasing many inflammatory chemicals.

The attack by the immune system of releasing inflammatory chemicals is what causes the symptoms for grass allergies. The allergic inflammation is the body's way of stopping more allergens from entering and to expel what allergens that have gotten in.

Orchard grass	Perennial ryegrass
Orchard grass flowers	Kentucky bluegrass

Symptoms

Symptoms for grass allergies can be similar to catching a cold. They are also the same as other forms of allergic rhinitis. Symptoms tend to come on very quickly as you go outside and become exposed to the pollen. Many different symptoms may develop and are not limited to just the symptoms listed below:

• breathing becomes more difficult
• headaches can occur
• eyes become red and watery
• eyes become itchy and swollen (eye allergies)
• nose becomes stuffy and congested
• lose of smell
• runny nose
• sneezing
• coughing
• scratchy or sore throat
• post nasal drip
• sinusitis
• skin rashes (eczema)
• fatigue

Grass Allergy Season

Tree pollen allergy starts off the spring season. Grass pollination follows with weeds producing their pollen in the fall. The farther north the region, the later the season starts. In the south and in tropical regions, grass allergies can last all year long.

A guideline for approximate times of pollen production is listed below:

Type your zip code into the box above, and click on "Enter", to find out the pollen count for your area.

Avoidance

Suggestions for avoidance strategies can be found at Pollen Allergy Avoidance Tips.

There are 3 choices in coping with grass allergies; avoidance, drugs, and immunotherapy.

The treatment plan for any type of allergy should include avoidance as the cornerstone. All medication has the risk for side effects. The cost can be a financial burden for many if the usage is long term. And immunotherapy is also an investment in time and expense and comes with its own set of health risks.

Avoidance does not mean elimination of all allergy symptoms. On the other hand, the goal for avoidance is to reduce the frequency of the allergic response so allergies can be managed. Avoidance must be part of the overall strategy to gain back the quality of life that allergies take from us.

• The first avoidance tip for grass allergies is to talk with your allergist and decide on a game plan together. If allergy medication is needed, your doctor can tell you what is best for your situation.
• Keep the windows to your home closed.
• Do not use a window fan.
• Keep your furnace filter clean and changed per the manufactures instructions.
• Run an air purifier with a HEPA filter inside your home.
• Use the air conditioner in your car instead of riding with the windows down.
• Wash your face and hands when you come in from the outside.
• Use a neti pot to rinse out your nose when you come in from the outside.
• If you have been outside for a long time, change your clothes when you come in. Pollen will be carried into your home by sticking to your clothes.
• Do not hang your clothes out to dry. Use an automatic dryer instead. Pollen will collect on the laundry that is hanging out to dry.
• Wash or rinse your hair before going to bed. Don't let the pollen that has collected in your hair to get on your pillow.
• Use allergen proof bedding for pollen allergies.
• Keep the grass cut short.
• Have some one who does not have grass allergies to do the mowing.
• If you must mow the lawn yourself, wear a mask. Use sunglasses to help keep the pollen out of your eyes.
• Cutting the grass at frequent intervals should help insure that the grass won't flower. Of course, this doesn't stop the grass next door from flowering.
• Bag or mulch your grass. Letting the lawnmower throw the grass clippings out the side of the mower will propel the pollen airborne.
• Avoid the outdoors during times of high pollen counts.

Click on grass allergies to go to the USDA government website to learn more about the plants that are causing you problems.

Go to the avoid-nasal-allergies home page.

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