What Is Grass Allergy?

by Jonathan Pitts,

Grass allergy is one of the most common kinds of allergy that occurs during the spring season and for most of the summer season. The incidence of this allergy is particularly severe during the onset of the summer season as well as when the season ends. Grass allergy is similar to hay fever as some of the symptoms and causes of the allergies are the same and treatments too are also the same. Grass allergy takes the form of diseases that affect the respiratory system. Many times, the allergy causes breathlessness similar to that produced in asthmatics. Hence, inhalants are prescribed for the allergy and it has been found that over 30% of all yearly allergies those are reported and recorded are for grass allergy.

Grass allergy is caused by contact with the allergen that produces a discomfort upon being inhaled or ingested. The most common form of allergen is the pollen that is found in the plants. There are different categories of pollen that are present in the natural surroundings and with the onset of different seasons, the pollen also pollinate and spread through the air to come in contact with people leading to the allergy. You may have read about the pollen during your school days. The pollens are so tiny and invisible to the naked eye that they can stick to the butterflies and other insects, and travel from one place to another as well as spread through air leading to their disproportionate distribution in the atmosphere surrounding the homes.

As pointed above, the allergy manifests itself through breathing disorders. One way on how to know whether someone has a pollen allergy or a grass allergy is by knowing whether the person has persistent dry cough and has a difficulty of breathing. This breathing discomfort happens because the passages in the respiratory tract are constricted as a result of the reaction against the pollen entering the tract. The body’s defenses are weakened because of the contact with the pollen and hence, normal breathing is affected and breathing becomes heavy and laden with mucus. The allergy can also cause itchiness and rashes to appear throughout the body. You should take care not to scratch these rashes as they can lead to further spread of the infection. In severe cases, fever might result as well.

The most effective treatment for grass allergy is also the most common cause for the allergy to manifest in people. By simply avoiding contact with the pollen is a sure way of not contracting the allergy. Hence, people with a history of grass allergy are advised to stay indoors during the seasons when the pollen pollinates. They are also advised to take anti-histamine to protect themselves against contracting the allergy. There are over the counter medications that are available to treat the allergy and you can also consult your doctor as well. In case of prolonged infections, it is better to seek expert medical help as soon as possible so that you recover from the allergy.