Ready to Enjoy the Outdoors Again? Take Charge of Your Grass Allergies

If you struggle with seasonal allergies, the sound of lawn mowers humming isn’t just a sign of the beginning of spring, it’s a signal to brace yourself for grass pollen symptoms like sneezing fits, itchy eyes and coughing. “For many people, it’s one of the most intense allergy seasons, so preparation is key,” says Lauren Whalen, PA-C, a certified physician assistant at Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy in Middletown, NY.

You don’t just have to live with it. Prepping your home so it stays pollen-free and supporting your immune system for the onslaught of grass pollen are powerful first steps. But if your symptoms are stealing the joy of being outside, immunotherapy is a groundbreaking therapy that can offer long-term relief so you can enjoy a walk outside in any season.

Here’s how to take control of your allergies and thrive.

Know the Symptoms

“Depending on where you live, grass pollen season can start as early as late spring and continue through the summer,” notes Whalen. What makes grass allergies tricky to pinpoint is they can affect people differently. According to Afreen Quraishi, PA-C, a certified physician assistant at Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy in East Windsor, NJ, “When individuals with sensitivity inhale these tiny pollen particles, their immune system mistakes them for harmful invaders, triggering the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause uncomfortable symptoms,” such as:

• Sneezing and runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Coughing
• Wheezing or shortness of breath (especially for those with asthma)
• Skin reactions like hives or eczema flares

Proactive Steps Toward Relief

“The best way to manage grass pollen allergies is to start preventive measures before symptoms strike,” emphasizes Whalen. Here’s a roadmap to follow for the best results:

Get a Head Start

Starting early is essential. Quraishi advises beginning allergy medications, such as antihistamines or nasal sprays, a few weeks before pollen counts begin to rise. “This way, your body is already equipped to handle the allergen load,” she explains.

Monitor Pollen Counts

Staying informed about pollen levels can help you plan your day. “Technology is your friend,” Whalen says. “There are plenty of apps and websites that provide daily pollen count updates,” she adds. “On high-pollen days, it’s best to limit outdoor activities, especially in the early morning when pollen levels are highest.”

Create a Pollen-Free Home

Reducing indoor exposure is crucial for managing symptoms, so try these techniques to lessen the load:

• Close windows during peak pollen times.
• Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to trap allergens.
• Shower and change clothes immediately after spending time outdoors.
• Avoid hanging laundry outside where pollen can cling to fabrics.

Find Out Your Triggers with Allergy Testing

Not all grasses are created equal when it comes to allergies so precision testing can make a huge difference in getting relief. “It’s helpful to know which types of grass pollen affect you the most,” Whalen notes. Comprehensive allergy testing can identify specific allergens through a variety of methods, including skin prick testing, intradermal skin testing and blood allergy testing.

Immunotherapy Offers Long-Term Relief

While over-the-counter medications and at-home strategies can be helpful, many allergy sufferers benefit from long-term solutions like immunotherapy. “Allergy shots or sublingual drops can help desensitize your immune system,” says Whalen. “It’s a commitment, but many patients find it life changing.”

There are two primary methods of allergen immunotherapy:

Allergy Shots / Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)

• Small doses of allergens are injected into the upper arms weekly for six to eight months, followed by monthly maintenance shots for three to five years.
• These shots target multiple allergens at once, making them effective for patients with multiple triggers.

Allergy Drops or Tablets / Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)

• Drops or tablets containing allergens are placed under the tongue once a day at home for three to five years.
• Allergy drops are customized based on skin testing and created in-office to treat multiple allergens.
• Allergy tablets are pharmacy-dispensed and treat one specific allergen, such as dust mites, grass or ragweed.

While both methods are highly effective, SLIT offers a more convenient at-home treatment for patients hesitant about allergy shots.

When to See a Specialist

If your symptoms are significantly impacting your quality of life and hampering daily activities, consider seeing an allergy specialist. There are other signs it’s time to make an appointment:

• Over-the-counter treatments aren’t effective.
• You experience wheezing or shortness of breath.
• Your allergies trigger asthma symptoms or result in sinus infections.

Don’t let grass pollen keep you from enjoying beautiful days. By preparing early and choosing effective treatments, you can reduce your symptoms and take back control of your life. “The goal isn’t just to survive allergy season — it’s to enjoy life despite it,” Whalen reminds us.

To schedule an appointment, book online or call (844) 760-3380.

Afreen Quraishi, PA-C is a certified physician assistant at Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy. She specializes in allergy, asthma and immunologic care. With more than six years of diverse experience as a physician assistant, she continues to have a strong passion and focus for treating patients’ allergy, asthma and immunology concerns.

Lauren Whalen, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant at Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy. She treats a wide range of conditions including but not limited to food, drug and environmental allergies. Lauren has a particular passion for pediatric food allergies and has many years of experience treating food allergies with oral immunotherapy and sublingual immunotherapy.