That sounds lovely – unless you’re one of the many Canadians for whom fresh cut grass means sneezy, wheezy, snotty summers. So how do you manage grass allergy without reaching for a handkerchief all the time? Let’s find out.

Like many trees and weeds, grasses rely on the wind to spread the pollen. Finding a female of the same species can be hit and miss. So the plants send billions of tiny grass pollen grains into the air each year to make sure. And they can travel far from the original source.

You can see how taking a breath of fresh air at the right time of year is likely to bring you into contact with flying grass pollen. That can cause allergy symptoms if you have an overactive immune system.

Allergy is when your immune system thinks a harmless substance like grass pollen is dangerous. It tries to get rid of the intruder, just as it would a virus or parasite. The chain reaction of antibodies, cells and chemicals inside your body causes the allergy symptoms you may know all too well.

Further north grasses tend to pollinate from late spring or early summer. But a mild winter can encourage an early start. Meanwhile in the south grasses may flower and cause pollen allergy symptoms all year round.

Being allergic to grass of more than one type is not uncommon. Many are closely related so the allergenic proteins in these grass pollens pollen are similar. If they flower at slightly different times that can extend the length of your personal grass pollen allergy season.

Yes it does. Grass pollen levels are generally higher when it’s dry. The lack of moisture in the air allows the pollen grains to travel further away. Warm windy days can be particularly sneezy.

On the other hand, rain tends to be helpful if you have hay fever (and an umbrella). It washes grass pollen away. The exception is sudden storms when pollen levels are high. The raindrops break up clumps of pollen on the ground and scatter the grains. For anyone with grass pollen allergy, this can cause immediate symptoms.

When you have a grass pollen allergy you may also experience these symptoms: itchy, red or watery eyes, cough, tight chest or wheezing and sinus inflammation/pain.

Direct contact with grass may also give you an itchy red skin reaction. It’s a less common grass allergy symptom known as grass rash

Cross-reactivity happens because the allergenic proteins in the food and the pollen are similar. If you have grass allergy, you may get a mild reaction in the face, mouth, throat or lips when eating these fresh fruits or vegetables: peach, watermelon, orange, tomato or white potato. Heat can help break down the proteins that cause pollen food syndrome. So you may get mild if any symptoms when your problem food is baked, microwaved or from a can. Or pasteurized if it’s juice.

Do the symptoms seem familiar? And the timing? If so, reach out to your healthcare provider. They’ll ask about your medical history and whether anyone in your family has allergies too. They may then suggest allergy testing – commonly a skin prick test or blood test – to help them make the diagnosis.

The next step will be to discuss different ways for you to take control of your grass allergy. This includes prevention and treatment options.

Allergies can have a big impact on your daily life. While it’s difficult to avoid grass pollen, there are ways to stay in control during your allergy season. Let’s take a look at the things you can do to reduce grass allergy symptoms.

1. Monitor pollen levels every day

The easiest way for you to limit your exposure to pollen is to stay indoors when pollen levels are at their highest. This would be challenging if it wasn’t for technology. With the klarify app you can keep track of daily pollen levels, air quality and the weather forecast in your region. That makes it easier to plan your days and know when to take your medicines before you go out. Generally pollen levels are lower in the early mornings on windless or cloudy days. There is also a pollen forecast on our website.

2. Keep windows closed

It’s best to keep your windows completely closed when your problem grass is flowering. That’s another reason to monitor grass pollen levels every day. Consider air conditioning, if you don’t have it already. It can make pollen-y summer days when you decide to stay home more comfortable.

3. Be hay fever savvy outdoors

Getting to know your local area can help you avoid any hay fever hotspots. But you probably won’t be able to avoid grass pollen entirely. Wear a hat and sunglasses to help keep the invisible grains out of your eyes. You may need to swap shorts for long-leg pants if grass gives you an allergic rash.

4. Zone your home

Keep your bedroom and main living area as pollen-free as possible. Change your clothes when you get home and leave shoes by the door. Wash outdoor clothes and bed linen regularly and use a tumble dryer or hang washing up indoors – never outside. Pets can bring in grass pollen too so groom them regularly and keep them out of your bedroom. Have a shower and wash your hair before bed. And vacuum OFTEN.

Some can work as a preventative measure, taken before you expect your grass allergy symptoms to start.

An allergic reaction is your immune system trying very hard to get rid of the grass pollen you’ve just breathed in. It does that by creating inflammation which is what causes those allergy symptoms you think of as hay fever. Symptom-relieving medications try to counteract it in different ways.

The most common symptom-reliever for pollen allergies is antihistamine. This blocks the histamine your body releases as part of an allergic reaction. Antihistamine comes in different strengths and forms, including tablets, eye drops and nasal sprays. Nasal corticosteroid sprays can also be effective. These mimic cortisol, a natural inflammatory hormone made by your body. Decongestants help relieve a stuffy nose by shrinking swollen blood vessels in your sinuses. They’re only for short-term use – no more than a few days at a time.

The short answer is no but there is a treatment that can bring long-term relief. You may have heard of allergy shots or subcutaneous immunotherapy? There’s also a tablet form known as sublingual immunotherapy. Allergy immunotherapy is something your healthcare provider may suggest if prescription antihistamines and other symptom-relieving medicines aren’t working for you.

That may depend on the severity of your grass allergy symptoms. Our online allergy control checker can help you work that out. Lawns can be more or less sneezy. Some varieties, known as bunch grasses, typically flower and release pollen when they reach 30cm tall. Keeping your lawn a smartly striped 5cm high should stop that from happening. Your local seed or turf supplier can offer advice on less allergenic grass types, including hybrids and female plants.

Whatever kind of lawn you have, ask a friend who doesn’t get grass pollen allergy symptoms to do the mowing. Or wear a protective mask and clothing if you do it yourself. Be sure the windows are closed first and for a couple of hours afterwards to keep away allergic reactions.