Grass Pollen Allergy: A Regional and Seasonal Problem

While less common than other types of plant allergies, a grass pollen allergy can be just as frustrating due to the fact that pollen levels are reliant on not only seasonal changes, but regions as well. With so many different climates in our country, even the slightest bit of travel can introduce allergy sufferers to types of grass pollen they aren't normally exposed to. A grass pollen allergy can also be aggravated by temperature, time of day, the season, and how much it rains at any given time, making planning for this allergy a challenge.

People can suffer from many different types of grass pollen allergies at the same time, but of the more than 1,200 species of grass in North America, only a small fraction are considered to cause a grass pollen allergy. The most common allergy-aggravating species include:

Like most allergies, there is no way to cure your reaction to grass pollen. However, there are some simple precautions you can take in order to lessen your exposure to grass allergens. Keep lawns well-groomed and maintained, and avoid having a lawn that is seeded with a type of grass you are allergic to if possible. Avoid being outdoors when grass pollen levels are high (in the afternoon and after heavy rains are when pollen levels are at their lowest), and keep windows closed during allergy season to keep indoor contamination to a minimum.

By following these easy preventative measures, as well as following the instructions of your doctor, you can keep your grass pollen allergy under control.