[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Allergies T-Hero Section” module_class=”hero tert” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/AAFA-Website_Tertiary_Allergies.jpg” background_position=”top_right” custom_padding=”1%||1%||true|false” global_module=”2217″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”bottom_left” background_horizontal_offset=”0%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”2%||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Nav Parent Title” module_class=”tert-parent” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_align=”left” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=”Breadcrumbs” module_class=”bcrumb” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”font-size:16px;||color: #fff;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Main Content” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2%||2%||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” admin_label=”Page Title” module_class=”tert-content q” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”|600|||||||” title_text_align=”left” title_text_color=”#008c99″ title_font_size=”39px” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”contain” background_position=”center_left” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_text admin_label=” Intro Content” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”24px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Grass pollen allergy is one of the most common causes of allergy symptoms. Grass pollen allergy is also seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever)<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Grass causes most late spring and summer pollen allergy<\/a> symptoms during April through early June.1<\/sup> But in warmer parts of the country, it can be found year-round. It can sometimes overlap with tree pollen<\/a> and weed pollen<\/a> seasons.<\/p>\n Grass pollen is light and easily carried by the wind. So even if you aren\u2019t allergic to the grass near your home, you could still come into contact with grass pollen from other locations.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”US Pollen Seasons” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ link_font=”||||on|||#008c99|” link_text_color=”#008c99″ link_line_height=”1.7em” ul_line_height=”1.7em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_text_align=”left” header_3_text_color=”#008c99″ header_3_font_size=”28px” background_color=”#F5EDDF” custom_padding=”4%|4%|4%|4%|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_module=”10692″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Pollen Seasons in the U.S.<\/strong><\/p>\n February \u2013 April: Trees<\/a> (some regions start as early as December or January)<\/p>\n April \u2013 early June: Grasses<\/a><\/p>\n August \u2212 first hard frost: Weeds<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – What Are the Symptoms of Grass Pollen Allergy (Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis)?” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you have a grass pollen allergy, you will only have symptoms when the pollen you are allergic to is in the air. Symptoms of a seasonal allergic rhinitis include:<\/p>\n If you have asthma and are allergic to grass pollen, you may have allergic asthma<\/a>. This means grass pollen triggers your asthma symptoms.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – What Types of Grasses Trigger the Most Allergies?” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are hundreds of types of grasses, but only a few cause allergy symptoms. Your location may determine which grasses may cause your symptoms.<\/p>\n The most common grasses that cause allergies are:<\/p>\n If it seems like grass pollen season is more intense and lasts longer than it used to, you aren\u2019t imagining it. Climate change is also increasing carbon dioxide and is leading to longer growing seasons. This means higher amounts of grass pollen released during the allergy season.<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Can a Grass Allergy Make Me React to Certain Foods?” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you are allergic to certain pollens, such as Timothy or orchard grass pollen, you may have allergy symptoms in your mouth and\/or around your lips when eating certain foods. The name of this reaction is pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS), also called oral allergy syndrome (OAS)<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n PFAS happens because some grass pollen is similar to the protein in some fruits, vegetables, and nuts.2<\/sup> Your immune system gets confused and can\u2019t tell the difference between the two. Eating these foods may cause your mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to itch or swell.<\/p>\n You may be able to eat foods that cause PFAS symptoms if you remove their skins and\/or cook them. Heat affects the proteins (breaks them down), so you may be able to eat these foods cooked instead of raw. For example, a fresh tomato may cause symptoms, but a person with PFAS may be able to eat cooked marinara sauce or ketchup without symptoms.<\/p>\n Timothy and orchard grass pollen can cross-react and may trigger pollen-food allergy symptoms when you eat:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – What Is the Treatment for Grass Pollen Allergy” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n If you think you may be allergic to grass pollen, see a board-certified allergist to confirm the allergy. To diagnose a grass pollen allergy, the doctor will ask you about your medical history and do a physical exam. If they think you have a grass pollen allergy, they may order an\u00a0allergy skin test or blood test<\/a>. Your doctor will compare your test results with your history and physical exam to diagnose a grass pollen allergy.<\/p>\n There is no cure for a grass pollen allergy, but you can manage it. There are many allergy treatment options<\/a> to help you.<\/p>\n Here are some steps to managing your grass pollen allergy:<\/p>\n 1. Track the grass pollen count for your area.<\/strong> The local news often reports the type of pollen and count for your area, especially when pollen is high. You also can check for your area\u2019s pollen counts from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s (AAAAI) National Allergy Bureau\u2122<\/a>.<\/p>\n 2. Stay indoors with central air conditioning<\/strong> when the pollen count is high, if possible. Keep your windows in your house and car closed too, if possible. Get a Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly\u00ae <\/strong>air filter<\/a> and\/or HEPA filter for your air conditioner.<\/p>\n 3. Prevent pollen from coming into your home.<\/strong> If you spend a lot of time outside during peak pollen time:<\/p>\n 4. Take allergy medicines and start treatment<\/a> before grass pollen season starts in your area.<\/strong> Find out what time of year grass pollen starts to appear in your area so you can start allergy treatment at least 2 weeks before pollen season begins. Many over-the-counter medicines work well to control pollen allergy symptoms. They can also help eye, nose, and airway symptoms.<\/p>\n 5. <\/strong>Talk with an allergist about immunotherapy.<\/strong>\u00a0There are two types:\u00a0allergy shots and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)<\/a>. This type of treatment may help give you long-term relief. If you have allergic asthma, your\u00a0Asthma Action Plan<\/a>\u00a0may include some of these allergy treatments to help you keep your asthma under control.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Callout – Allergy Medicine Guide” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ link_font=”||||on|||#008c99|” link_text_color=”#008c99″ link_line_height=”1.7em” ul_line_height=”1.7em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_text_align=”left” header_3_text_color=”#008c99″ header_3_font_size=”28px” background_color=”#F5EDDF” custom_padding=”4%|4%|4%|4%|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_module=”16360″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Nasal rinse:<\/strong> Using a saline (saltwater) nose rinse can help cut down mucus and rinse allergens out of your nose. Remember to use these as directed.<\/p>\n Nose sprays:<\/strong> Corticosteroid nose sprays are effective and have few side effects. They treat swelling and inflammation in your nose. (Examples include Nasacort\u00ae, FLONASE\u00ae, and RHINOCORT\u00ae.) Antihistamine nasal sprays such as Astelin\u00ae and Patanase\u00ae are also effective options.<\/p>\n Eye drops:<\/strong> Allergy eye drops can be very helpful in managing eye allergy symptoms. They can relieve burning, itchiness, redness, increased tearing, and swelling. Common eye drops include SYSTANE\u00ae ZADITOR\u00ae, Optivar, and Pataday\u00ae. Artificial tears can also be helpful.<\/p>\n Antihistamines:<\/strong>\u00a0Antihistamines come in pill, liquid, or nasal spray form. They can relieve sneezing and itching in the nose and eyes. They also reduce a runny nose and, to a lesser extent, nasal stuffiness. Look for a long-acting, non-drowsy antihistamine. (Examples include ZYRTEC\u00ae, Claritin\u00ae, Allegra\u00ae, CLARINEX\u00ae.)<\/p>\n Decongestants<\/strong>: Decongestants are available as pills, liquids, nasal sprays, or drops. They help shrink the lining of the nasal passages and relieve stuffiness. They generally are only used for a short time. Decongestant nasal sprays should not be used more than 3 days because they can become addictive. (Examples include SUDAFED\u00ae, Vicks Sinex\u2122, Afrin\u00ae.) Check with your doctor before using decongestants if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, thyroid disease, or trouble urinating.<\/p>\n Leukotriene modifiers (such as montelukast):<\/strong>\u00a0This medicine can help by blocking chemicals your body releases when you have an allergic reaction. (Examples include SINGULAIR\u00ae, Zyflo CR\u00ae, ACCOLATE\u00ae.)<\/p>\n Note:<\/strong> Montelukast (brand name SINGULAIR\u00ae) can cause serious side effects, like behavior and mood related changes. Montelukast has a black box warning. This is a safety warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means you need to be aware of a drug\u2019s side effects or important instructions for safe use of the drug. We encourage you to speak with your health care provider before, during, and after the start of any new medicine. If your doctor recommends montelukast, talk with them about possible risks and concerns.<\/em><\/p>\n Cromolyn sodium:<\/strong> This is a nasal spray that blocks the release of chemicals that cause allergy symptoms, including histamine and leukotrienes. This medicine has few side effects, but you must take it 4 times a day. (Examples include NasalCrom\u00ae.)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Should I Move to Get Relief From My Grass Pollen Allergy?” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Grasses that produce allergenic pollen appear in every state. If you move, you may get some relief for a short time. But you can develop allergies to the grasses in your new area in a few years. Instead, work with an allergist on a solid allergy treatment plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Allergy Capitals” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ link_font=”||||on|||#008c99|” link_text_color=”#008c99″ link_line_height=”1.7em” ul_line_height=”1.7em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_text_align=”left” header_3_text_color=”#008c99″ header_3_font_size=”28px” background_color=”#F5EDDF” custom_padding=”4%|4%|4%|4%|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Do You Live in an Allergy Capital\u2122?<\/strong><\/p>\n Your location can have an impact on your seasonal allergies. AAFA\u2019s Allergy Capitals\u2122 report<\/a> looks at the top 100 most challenging cities in the continental United States to live with seasonal pollen allergies.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”http:\/\/allergycapitals.com\/” button_text=”Learn More About Allergy Capitals” button_alignment=”center” disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Learn More Allergy Capitals BTN” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_bg_color=”#692d87″ button_use_icon=”off” custom_padding=”|25%||25%|false|true” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ toggle_icon=”L||divi||400″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”20px” admin_label=”Accordions – References” module_class=”accord” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” toggle_font=”|600|||||||” toggle_font_size=”22px” closed_toggle_font=”|600|||||||” closed_toggle_font_size=”22px” body_text_color=”#505050″ body_font_size=”16px” body_link_font=”||||on|||#008C99|” text_orientation=”left” custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” border_width_all=”0px” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Closed” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”References” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”References” module_class=”clearfix” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”16px” header_5_font=”|600|||||||” header_5_text_align=”left” header_5_text_color=”#008c99″ custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 1. Mowing Down Your Grass Allergies<\/em>. (2020, September 28). AAAAI.org; American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. https:\/\/www.aaaai.org\/tools-for-the-public\/conditions-library\/allergies\/mowing-down-your-grass-allergies<\/a><\/small><\/p>\n 2. Oral allergy syndrome (OAS)<\/em> | AAAAI. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2022, from https:\/\/www.aaaai.org\/tools-for-the-public\/conditions-library\/allergies\/oral-allergy-syndrome-(oas)<\/a><\/small>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Medical Review” module_class=”med-rev clearfix” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#008C99″ link_font_size=”16px” header_5_font=”|600|||||||” header_5_text_align=”left” header_5_text_color=”#008c99″ custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Medical Review<\/a>: August 2024 by Mitchell Grayson, MD<\/small><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=”Print” module_id=”print” module_class=”clearfix” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_module=”5156″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]What Are the Symptoms of a Grass Pollen Allergy (Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis)?<\/h3>\n
\n
What Types of Grasses Trigger the Most Allergies?<\/h3>\n
\n
Can a Grass Allergy Make Me React to Certain Foods?<\/h3>\n
\n
What Is the Treatment for Grass Pollen Allergy?<\/h3>\n
\n
Allergy Medicine Guide<\/h3>\n
Should I Move to Get Relief from My Grass Pollen Allergy?<\/h3>\n
\n
References<\/h5>\n