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Grass allergy, also known as hay fever, is a common type of seasonal allergy. It's characterized by an overreaction of the immune system to grass pollen.
Grass allergy is an exaggerated immune system response to the inhalation of grass pollen. This typically occurs seasonally when certain plant species, such as ryegrass and timothy grass, release their pollen, usually between March and September.
Grass pollen allergy is marked by symptoms similar to those of a common cold, including sneezing, red and itchy eyes, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. The onset, intensity, and duration of these symptoms largely depend on the concentration of pollen in the atmosphere.
Pollen are the male reproductive cells produced by plants during flowering. These tiny, lightweight grains are responsible for fertilizing other plants of the same species. Due to their small size, airborne pollens can be carried by the wind over long distances and can easily be inhaled, penetrating the respiratory tract.
Pollen contains specific substances called antigens, which can sensitize genetically predisposed individuals. When the pollen granule comes into contact with the moist surface of the respiratory tract, allergens are released. These allergens, in turn, trigger the immune system response.
Grass allergy is triggered by a hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system, mediated by a specific class of antibodies known as Immunoglobulins E (IgE). In predisposed individuals, this immune response is triggered by the inhalation of allergenic pollen during the flowering period.
The immune system mistakenly identifies grass pollen as harmful substances, leading to the production of IgE. This stimulates the release of chemical mediators of inflammation, such as histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes, among others. These substances cause an inflammatory process, attracting defense cells from the blood and tissues, which participate in the allergic reaction. The end result is the appearance of typical grass allergy symptoms.
Grass allergy is triggered by the pollen of one of the most widespread plant families globally. There are approximately 9,000 different species, including many wild plants and herbaceous weeds, which can grow spontaneously in gardens, meadows, and uncultivated land.
Moreover, the risk of ingesting the same allergens through diet should not be overlooked. Cereal-based foods, which belong to the grass family, often make their way to our tables and can trigger allergic reactions.
When the concentration of grass pollen in the environment reaches a certain threshold, allergic symptoms can occur in predisposed individuals. These symptoms can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe.
Common symptoms include itchy nose, repeated bouts of sneezing, runny nose, congestion, difficulty breathing, and reduced sense of smell. Other signs may include eye irritation, itching in the throat, ears, and palate, and a general feeling of malaise.
In some individuals, exposure to grass pollen can trigger asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, and persistent cough.
If you experience signs and symptoms that suggest a grass allergy, it's essential to consult a specialist. The diagnosis typically involves a medical history and physical examination, a skin test (also known as a prick test), and a specific IgE measurement test (Rast test).
The best treatment for grass allergy is to avoid exposure to the allergen responsible for the allergic reaction. However, to manage symptoms, doctors often prescribe antihistamines, corticosteroids, decongestants, and antileukotrienes. In some cases, desensitizing therapy or specific immunotherapy with allergenic extracts may be recommended.
To control the symptoms of grass allergy, it's important to adopt preventive behaviors. These include consulting the pollen calendar to identify high-risk periods, avoiding going out during high pollen count hours, keeping windows closed during sunny hours, and maintaining cleanliness to avoid pollen accumulation.
