What is Grass Pollen?

Grasses are a member of the Poaceae (formerly called Gramineae) family. There are over 8,000 species of grass types found throughout the world. The grass family is both the most common and important family of flowering plants.

How does Grass Pollens cause Allergies?

Pollen grasses are carriers of protein substances which if inhaled release these proteins when they come in contact with a moist surface. The pollen proteins bind to IE antibodies on the mast cells lining of the airways and this results in the release of substances. These substances are called histamine which causes swelling and the constriction of the airways.

Hayfever is an allergic reaction to pollen and spores.

Symptoms of Hayfever

Common Grasses that causes Allergies

Hayfever is estimated to affect several million people every year to some extent. A person suffering from hayfever may be allergic to one or many types of pollen but it is mainly caused by grass pollen, which affects about 95% of all hayfever sufferers. The most common grasses that prompt allergies are:

• Annual Bluegrass
• Bermuda grass
• Johnson grass
• Kentuky Bluegrass
• Kikuyu
• Orchard grass
• Paspalum
• Redtop
• Ryegrass
• Sweet vernal grass
• Timothy grass

How to make your garden Pollen Free?

Here are some tips for avoiding Pollen

• Keep pollens out by keeping windows shut and using an air conditioner. 
• Stay informed about pollen seasons and levels in your region. 
• Stay inside in warm and windy days.
• Most plants pollinate in the morning, so stay indoors.
• Stay away from big pollen producers like birch, ash, maple, oak and walnut trees. 
• Hire someone to cut your grass
• A car with air conditioning will keep you cool and reduce the pollen load considerably
• Do not picnic in parks or in the country during the pollen season