Do you also sneeze for no reason? Do you have a runny nose? Or do you constantly scratch your eyes, nose, and throat? Some people may also have a slight cough along with this. We often think that this is caused by dust or a mild cold. But have you ever thought that the reason for this could be the beautiful lawn in your garden? Yes, many people are allergic to pollen emitted from grass. Today, we will talk about this grass pollen allergy.
What are these types of grasses that cause allergies?
Even though we say "grass," there are hundreds of types of grass. These allergies can be caused not only by the type of grass in your yard, but also by other grasses in your environment. There are several types of grasses that are the main ones that cause these types of allergies around the world. You may hear these names when talking to your doctor.
You may be allergic to just one of these types, or you may be allergic to several types. In Sri Lanka, some of these types, as well as other grasses native to our environment, can also cause this.
When are these allergies most common?
Grass usually starts to grow well after the rainy season. Then, during the dry, sunny season that follows, these grasses release tiny particles called pollen into the air. Imagine, this pollen is very light, so the wind can carry it for miles.
These pollens are so small that they can only be seen with a microscope. That means they are invisible to our eyes. But if you have allergies, your body will start to react to even the smallest amount of pollen.
Situations where allergies can get worse
Some things can make these allergy symptoms worse. Let's take a look at what they are.
Dry, windy days
On a sunny, windy day, the amount of pollen in the air is very high. This is because the wind carries it everywhere. However, on a rainy day or a day with high humidity , the amount of pollen in the air is low. This is because the humidity pulls it down to the ground.
Some dishes
This may come as a surprise. If you have an allergy to grass pollen, eating certain fruits and vegetables can trigger your allergy symptoms. Simply put, some of the proteins in those foods are similar to the proteins in grass pollen. This is called cross-reactivity . Then the body thinks that the food is just as harmful as the pollen.
| Foods that can cause allergies | Possible symptoms |
|---|---|
| Fresh celery, watermelon, peaches, oranges, tomatoes | An itchy sensation inside the mouth, lips, or throat. |
Uncut lawns
Most grasses release pollen when they are tall. This pollen comes from the flower-like part of the grass that grows above the ground. So if your lawn is kept short, the amount of pollen released is much lower. However, some grasses, like Bermuda grass, can release pollen even when cut short.
So what do we do?
Okay, now we know about this situation. So what can be done to solve this?
1. Check carefully first.
This is the most important thing. The only way to know for sure whether you have a grass pollen allergy or if these symptoms are caused by something else is to get a medical examination. So, see your doctor and talk about this. He or she will refer you to an allergist if necessary.
2. Avoid things that trigger allergies
- Keep the windows and doors of your home closed on windy days.
- If you are working in the garden, especially mowing the lawn, wear a mask.
- After coming home from being outside, wash your body and change your clothes, as pollen may be stuck to your clothes and hair.
3. Think again about your garden.
This may seem like a big decision, but if you are certain that the problem is caused by the grass in your garden, you can remove that grass and think about something else.
- Other ground covers: There are other ground cover plants that are less allergenic, such as ivy or Irish moss.
- Other plants: You can grow flowers, succulents, herbs, or vegetables that are suited to your garden's soil and sunlight. This will not only add beauty to your garden, but will also help control your allergies.
4. Get treatment
There are medications that can help control and prevent these allergic symptoms. While some can be taken without a doctor's prescription, it is best to seek treatment under medical advice.
In addition, there is another treatment method. It is called Immunotherapy . Simply put, this involves gradually giving your body a liquid made from the pollen you are allergic to, either as an injection or as drops under the tongue. Over time, your body gets used to the pollen. Gradually, the body stops reacting to it. Although this is a long-term treatment, it can sometimes completely cure this allergy. You can also talk to your doctor to learn more about this.
Take-Home Message
- Symptoms of frequent sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, mouth, and throat may be due to a grass pollen allergy.
- These symptoms may be especially severe on dry, windy days.
- Eating certain fruits and vegetables can make this allergy worse.
- If you have these symptoms, don't guess, see a doctor and get tested to find out the exact cause.
- You can discuss long-term solutions with your doctor, such as avoiding allergens, taking medications, and immunotherapy, as treatments.
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