Grass Vs Tree Pollen Allergy Symptoms – 10 Facts

Pollen allergies affect millions of people all throughout the year. They cause puffy and itchy eyes, scratchy throats, running noses and even coughs. While the basics about pollen allergies from grasses, trees and weeds are pretty well known, there are some shocking facts that many people overlook that can make staving off, managing and treating pollen allergy symptoms a whole lot easier! From dietary changes to deep freezing your immune system back into normal functionality, allergy symptoms are much more complex than you may think.

Grass vs Tree Pollen Allergy Symptoms: Facts

1. Location isn’t everything: Think that you live in an area that lacks the seasonal grasses and trees responsible for most allergies? Well, think again. These microscopic particles travel hundreds and hundreds of miles via the wind and can deposit themselves just close enough to you to bring about pollen allergy symptoms – even if there isn’t a blade of blue grass in sight.

2. Symptoms May Be Similar: The symptoms of grass and tree pollen allergies can be very similar, and it can be difficult to determine which one you are allergic to without testing. However, there are some factors that can help you narrow down the possibilities.First, consider the time of year when your symptoms are most severe. Grass pollen is most prevalent during the late spring and summer months, while tree pollen is more common in the early spring. If your symptoms are worse in the spring, you may be allergic to tree pollen. If they are worse in the summer, grass pollen may be the culprit.

   Next, consider the types of symptoms you are experiencing. Both grass and tree pollen allergies can cause nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. However, grass pollen allergies are more likely to cause throat irritation, while tree pollen allergies can cause fatigue and headaches.

3. 
   Tests Can Help Identify Your Worst Pollen Foes: In most cases, what causes allergies is pollen. But, it’s not often the pollen that we think of, that powdery substance that bees go crazy for. Rather, pollen from trees, weeds and grasses is the most likely culprit. Thankfully, although not completely accurate, allergy tests can generally help you determine whether trees, weeds or grass are the root of your problems. This can help you identify the times of the year you will likely encounter the bulk of your pollen allergy symptoms based on where you live and the native plants in your area.

4. Herbal Remedies and Alternative Treatments Exist: Whether combating allergy eyes from the pollen producing elm tree or suffering from a running nose thanks to ragweed, you don’t have to solely rely on over the counter medications or prescriptions for relief. There are many natural allergy remedies that come from other plants, like the histamine blocking stinging nettle. And, temporary relief can even come from a cup of peppermint tea.

Among the multitude of ineffective pollen allergy remedies, have you been wondering about the Cryotherapy Toronto hype? Well, while previously best known for muscle pain and arthritis, the cold therapy treatment has been showing potential for allergy treatment as well. Because pollen allergy symptoms are a result of an over active immune system set on attacking normally harmless stimuli (tree, weed and grass pollen) the immune system stabilizing effects of cryotherapy are thought to be useful in this regard. While the all over deep freeze may sound dangerous, cryotherapy side effects in otherwise healthy people when used properly are rare, and the practice is generally considered safe and incredibly effective. 

5. Don’t Be an Early Riser: They say that the early bird catches the worm, but the early bird may also catch a heaping helping dose of pollen allergy symptoms too. Between the morning hours of 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. pollen is typically at its highest, regardless of source. Serious sufferers of pollen allergies may want to stay indoors during this time to help prevent the most serious of symptoms from coming about.

6. Pollen Allergy Symptoms Can be Seriously Painful: Allergies are typically not serious medical conditions, however in those with extreme allergies, the symptoms can be incredibly uncomfortable and lead to sinus issues. Wondering can allergies cause headaches? Although uncommon, they sure can. Obstruction of the sinuses due to overactive allergy symptoms can lead to severe and chronic headaches. Treating the source of the problem with medications, natural remedies and other therapy choices such as cryotherapy cold sauna treatments can help get to the root of the problem and reduce the long term issues associated with severe allergies.

7. Pollen Allergy Symptoms Are Sometimes Ignored: Without an allergy test or mind blowingly obvious symptoms, allergies to grass and tree pollen can be very similar to a common cold or viral illness. As such, because levels of grass and tree pollen fluctuate, some people completely ignore pollen allergy symptoms like runny noses and itching throats. The problem with this is that ignored allergies can often lead to further discomfort and complications like sinusitis, and its best therefore to have them checked out.

8. Age Matters: It’s possible that you may be predisposed to pollen allergy symptoms. Some studies have shown that the eldest in a family may be more likely to have sensitivity to pollen. That’s good news for the babies of the family, but first borns may scoff at their allergy ridden birthrights.

9. Eating Can Change your Sensitivity to Pollen: Studies have shown that when the bacteria balance in the gut is disturbed, allergies to tree and grass pollen may be more likely to develop. Over processed foods and a lack of healthy, natural edibles can contribute to this change. However, while adding more raw and whole foods might be great, beware that some raw foods may actually worsen your pollen allergy symptoms. One of the healthiest and most beneficial ways to reduce allergy symptoms is to observe your body’s reactions to potential cross-reactivity A.K.A. oral allergy syndrome.

10. Allergies Are on the Rise: Statistics have shown that the prevalence of allergies is well on the rise, and there are several theories as to why this is occurring, although each is debatable in its own way. In terms of grass and pollen allergies, the tendency of people to move away from natural landscapes and farms may be responsible for the population as a whole developing more predominant pollen allergy symptoms. It’s also been theorized that over sanitation and germ avoidance may be responsible for ramping up the immune system as a result. The overuse of antibiotics is also thought by some to be to blame. 

Reference:

American Asthma and Allergy Foundation. (2021). Grass pollen allergy.