Allergy to grasses is one of the most widespread forms of allergies, very common among children. Having symptoms that are often very similar to those of a common cold, such as sneezing, watery eyes and itchy nose and eyes, it is sometimes initially difficult to detect. But what is grass allergy and what are its symptoms?
What is grass allergy?
As explained in an in-depth study published on the Humanitas portal, a renowned medical center on the outskirts of Milan, allergy to grasses is an anomalous reaction of the immune system triggered by the presence of pollen from grasses in the air during the flowering period between March and September . In particular, those responsible for the anomalous reaction are the proteins that coat the pollen and which, in contact with the airways, i.e. nose and mouth, induce the immune system to produce antibodies (immunoglobulins) and some immune cells (mast cells) to release histamine, promoting inflammation and allergy symptoms. There are many species responsible for this allergic form. Experts speak of around 9 thousand different species, including some herbs and weeds that grow spontaneously. The most common are wheat, barley, oats, rye, corn and rice.
The symptomatology
As mentioned, the symptoms of grass allergy are similar to those of common rhinitis. The typical symptoms include watery eyes, sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, runny nose, congestion of the nasal mucosa, difficulty breathing and skin rashes. Those who suffer from it sometimes also report intestinal symptoms, such as diarrhoea, sleep disturbances, a sense of tightness in the chest, a complication of asthma, and in the most serious cases there is the risk of anaphylactic shock, a rare complication that can cause cardiovascular collapse and must be treated promptly.
Prevention
Allergy to grasses can be prevented by avoiding contact with allergens, i.e. grass pollen, responsible for the allergic reaction. Experts also recommend adopting some useful precautions to reduce the rate of allergens to which you are exposed, such as frequent cleaning of home and work environments, especially after opening windows, with particular attention to armchairs, sofas, carpets. , pillows, beds and linens. It is also recommended to maintain optimal humidity in the environment, avoiding air that is too dry or too humid, and covering the mouth and nose when outdoors, during periods and in places where grasses may be present. It is also advisable to avoid smoking, observe a balanced diet and avoid being overweight. Finally, although food allergy is less frequent, Humanitas experts recommend avoiding the consumption of foods known to be sensitizing.
see also
Pollen allergy, 4 natural remedies to combine with antihistamines
Foods to avoid
Among the foods to avoid, the immunologist Mauro Minelli, responsible for the South of the Foundation for Personalized Medicine (Fmp), highlights wheat, kiwi, tomato and melon. For allergy sufferers, he told AdnKronos, “it is also essential to reduce the intake of foods that contain histamine, as in the case of mature cheeses or vegetables such as tomatoes and spinach, and foods that release this substance, as happens with chocolate and strawberries”. Finally, “cross-allergic reactions should not be overlooked, which occur exclusively in those subjects who have sensitization towards homologous allergens contained both in pollen and in foods. This is the reason why those allergic to grass pollen can manifest allergy symptoms when eating foods such as wheat, kiwi, tomato, melon.”
Diagnosis and treatment
Grass allergy is diagnosed with two tests: the prick test and the rast test. The first is carried out at the same time as the allergy visit and involves placing drops of extracts with the allergens to be tested on the skin, which cause local redness or swelling when there is a suspicion of allergy. The Rast Test, on the other hand, is a serological test for the search for IgE immunogammaglobulins responsible for the allergic reaction. As for treatment, the first treatment consists in avoiding, when possible, the allergen responsible for the allergic reaction. To reduce symptoms, the use of bronchodilator and corticosteroid drugs (nebulized through spray dispensers or taken orally in the form of tablets) or antihistamines that block the production of histamine and relieve most of the symptoms, in addition to spray decongestants and cromolyn sodium and leukotriene blockers, a class of oral medications that can help quickly relieve the symptoms of rhinitis. Desensitizing therapy or specific immunotherapy with allergenic extracts may also be useful. This is a long-term treatment (3 to 5 years) which allows you to gradually train the immune response typical of an allergic reaction, reducing the number and intensity of acute episodes.
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