How to Control Grass Allergies

What are Grass Allergies?

Grass allergies are caused by pollens -- tiny male cells that nature creates to continue pollination and continue the growth of new grasses, weeds and trees. Pollen grains cause seasonal symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and wheezing for those with allergies.

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, grass pollen is both regional and seasonal. Like tree and weed pollens, grass pollen levels can be affected by temperature, time of day and rain. Allergies to grasses and weeds are often challenging in natural settings, especially along roadways, parks and even backyards.

Are Some Grasses More Allergic than Others?

While there are 1,200 species of grass that grow in North America, a small percentage of these cause allergies. The most common grasses that can cause allergies are:

  • Bermuda grass
  • Johnson grass
  • Kentucky bluegrass
  • Orchard grass
  • Sweet vernal grass
  • Timothy grass

    Allergies to hay and straw tend to occur because of the mold present in those grasses.

    Grass Allergies are World-Wide in Nature

    As long ago as 1978, a report given at the International Association of Agricultural Medicine, named these related allergens in a Japanese rural area: orchard grass (from the Gramineae family); common mugwort and ragweed (from weeds) and as well as pollen from apple and walnut trees.

    Specific Areas Prone to Grass Pollen

    While this may seem simple, there are definite places that are prone to produce grass pollen. These include areas with lots of grass, but are not limited to:

  • Meadows, gardens and parks
  • Golf courses
  • Rural areas
  • Farms

    Check with a local immunologist to find out what other areas in your community to avoid.

    Tips for Handling Grass Allergies

    The National Institute for Environmental Health Services offers these tips:

  • Hire someone else to mow a grass lawn. If you must mow the lawn yourself, wear a mask.
  • Keep the grass cut short.
  • Choose ground covers that don't produce much pollen, such as Irish moss, bunch, and dichondra.
  • Avoid the outdoors between 5-10 am. Save outside activities for late afternoon or after a heavy rain, when pollen levels are lower.
  • Keep windows in your home and car closed to lower exposure to pollen. To keep cool, use air conditioners and avoid using window and attic fans.
  • Be aware that pollen can also be transported indoors on people and pets.
  • Dry your clothes in an automatic dryer rather than hanging them outside. Otherwise pollen can collect on clothing and be carried indoors.

      A report in the April 2006 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology highlighted the results of a controlled trial where subjects took a once-daily grass-allergen tablets. Taking the tablets showed a reduction in symptoms of the test subjects.

      A related topic to grass allergies involves allergy to grasses and weeds.

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      Overview to Seasonal Allergies
      How to Survive Seasonal Allergies
      How to Manage Grass Allergies
      Weeds and Allergies in California
      What Triggers Mold Allergies
      Strategies for Hayfever
      How to Deal With Ragweed Season