Allergy to grass pollen is very common. It usually occurs in the spring, but it can also be a concern throughout the year, depending on the weather conditions.
- It is estimated that millions of people suffer from pollen allergy
- The symptoms can range from mild to severe
- Severe allergic reactions are rare, but when they do occur, they require immediate medical attention
- Most of the time a grass pollen allergy can make a patient miserable from the different symptoms it causes
- Avoidance is key to treatment, antihistamine may also be provided to help deal with the symptoms
Symptoms to Grass Pollen
Some of the most common symptoms of a grass pollen allergy include:
- Itchy nose and eyes
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Swelling or puffing up of area around the eyes
- Nasal congestion, some chest congestion may occur
- Coughing
- Sinus pain
Symptoms can differ from one individual to another.
Grass Pollen Allergy Symptoms
Although rare, a person with grass allergy can develop serious symptoms of anaphylaxis. Knowing what these symptoms are very important.
Signs to look out for include:
- Wheezing, Swollen Throat – Cyanosis may occur
- Syncope
- Generalized itching
- Swelling of the face, tongue, and mouth
Patients with this type of allergy know what is normal for them. They should seek medical help when they start to exhibit symptoms more severe that what they are used to.
Grass Pollen Allergy Treatment
When an allergic reaction is active, patients can do the following:
- Move away from allergen
- Take their prescribed antihistamine
- Apply warm compress to the face and over the sinus area – this helps to relieve the pain
- Rest – sleep the reaction off when possible
Prevention
Prevention of an allergic reaction is very important.
- Remain indoors during windy days, the best days to go out is right after a heavy rain
- Avoid tasks that are exposed to pollen and grass (e.g. lawn mowing, gardening)
- Do not dry laundry outside as pollen can stick to these clothes
- When doing chores outside, wear a dust mask for protection
- Listen to the news regularly and take extra precaution when high pollen counts are reported
- Avoid outdoor activities set in the early morning
- During spring, close the doors and windows
- Use air conditioning in the car and in the house
- It is also a good idea to keep an air cleaner handy
- People with pollen allergies should also consider using vacuum cleaners that have a good filtering system