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Grass allergy

Contents of this page:

Definition    Return to top

Many people are allergic to pollens from grass and weeds. Such allergies usually occur in the late spring and summer.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

See also:

Poisonous Ingredient    Return to top

Although the grass itself may not be harmful, fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides applied to the grass can be poisonous.

Symptoms    Return to top

Home Care    Return to top

See the article on hay fever for self-treatment steps.

If you have difficulty breathing, contact your doctor for further information. If breathing becomes extremely difficult, seek immediate medical help.

Before Calling Emergency    Return to top

Determine the following information:

If the grass was recently treated with a chemical of any sort such as fertilizer, insecticide, or herbicide, find out the product name and ingredients.

Poison Control    Return to top

This call is usually unnecessary unless the person is having a severe allergic reaction to the grass or is experiencing breathing difficulties. If the grass has recently been fertilized, sprayed with an insecticide or herbicide, or treated with a chemical in any way, contact Poison Control.

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room    Return to top

An emergency room visit is usually not necessary, unless the person has an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Normally there are no major problems unless the patient has asthma or a severe allergic reaction to the grass. Recovery usually occurs.

Update Date: 2/17/2009

Updated by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (10/24/2007).

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.