Grass Allergy In North Central Texas!

Grass pollen can be a major allergy concern in Central Texas for several reasons. This category of allergens is very large and includes everything from the typical landscaping grasses to crops like wheat, corn, and rye. Grass pollen may be found year-round due to our warm climate but tends to be the most prevalent during the spring and fall. One of the worst offenders may be in your own yard. Bermuda grass (Cynodon) is widely used as a landscaping grass and is one of the worst allergens.

Allergy Prevention: Grass

Adapted from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences by Krisha McCoy, MS September 2004

As with tree pollen, grass pollen is regional as well as seasonal. In addition, grass pollen levels can be affected by temperature, time of day, and rain.

Of the 1,200 species of grass that grow in North America, only a small percentage of these cause allergies. The most common grasses that can cause allergies are:

• Bermuda grass (Popular in North Central Texas)
• Johnson grass (Popular in North Central Texas)
• Kentucky bluegrass
• Orchard grass
• Sweet vernal grass
• Rye Grass (Popular in North Central Texas) – Also pictured above

Preventive Strategies

• If you have a grass lawn, have someone else do the mowing. If you must mow the lawn yourself, wear a mask and goggles.
• Taking an antihistamine 1 hour before mowing will also help. (please check with your doctor before taking any medication)
• Keep grass cut short.
• Choose ground covers that don’t produce much pollen, such as Irish moss, bunch, and dichondra.
• Avoid the outdoors between 5 and 10 am. Save outside activities for late afternoon or after a heavy rain, when pollen levels are lower.
• Keep windows in your home and car closed to lower exposure to pollen. To keep cool, use air conditioners and avoid using window and attic fans.
• Be aware that pollen can also be transported indoors on people and pets.
• Dry your clothes in an automatic dryer rather than hanging them outside. Otherwise pollen can collect on clothing and be carried indoors.
• Take a shower before going to bed to wash off allergens from your skin and hair.

If you suspect that you have grass allergies, you should be allergy tested! Call 972-492-6990 X 0 to make an appointment with Dr. Adelglass.