Grass Pollen Allergy (Hay Fever): Causes, Symptoms, and Modern Treatments

Grass pollen allergy, commonly known as hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis, affects millions of children and adults—especially during the spring and summer months. In this episode, we break down what a grass pollen allergy is, why it happens, and how it can be effectively diagnosed and managed.

You’ll learn how grass pollen triggers allergic inflammation, the common symptoms to watch out for (sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, cough, and fatigue), and how to distinguish hay fever from viral infections. We also explore evidence-based treatments, including antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, avoidance strategies, and when allergen immunotherapy may be considered.

With a clear focus on child and family health, this episode offers practical, reassuring guidance for parents, patients, and clinicians alike. Whether you’re navigating pollen season for the first time or looking to optimise allergy control, this conversation provides clear, trustworthy answers grounded in current allergy science.

Sources:

1. Bryson, R. (2012) ‘Sublingual Immunotherapy for Grass Pollen Allergy in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis’, World Allergy Organization Journal, February, p. S75,.
2. Darsow, U., Brockow, K., Pfab, F., Jakob, T., Petersson, C.J., Borres, M.P., Ring, J., Behrendt, H. and Huss-Marp, J. (2014) ‘Heterogeneity of molecular sensitization profiles in grass pollen allergy – implications for immunotherapy?’, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 44, pp. 778–786,.
3. Douladiris, N., Garib, V., Focke‐Tejkl, M., Valenta, R., Papadopoulos, N.G. and Linhart, B. (2019) ‘Detection of genuine grass pollen sensitization in children by skin testing with a recombinant grass pollen hybrid’, Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 30, pp. 59–65,,.
4. Fuertes, E., Jarvis, D., Lam, H., Davies, B., Fecht, D., Candeias, J., Schmidt-Weber, C.B., Douiri, A., Slovick, A., Scala, E., Smith, T.E.L., Shamji, M., Buters, J.T.M., Cecchi, L. and Till, S.J. (2024) ‘Phl p 5 levels more strongly associated than grass pollen counts with allergic respiratory health’, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 153, pp. 844–851,,.
5. Kiotseridis, H., Cilio, C.M., Bjermer, L., Tunsäter, A., Jacobsson, H. and Dahl, Å. (2013) ‘Grass pollen allergy in children and adolescents-symptoms, health related quality of life and the value of pollen prognosis’, Clinical and Translational Allergy, 3(19),.
6. Senna, G.E., Calderon, M. and Milani, M. (2011) ‘Allergy immunotherapy tablet: Grazax® for the treatment of grass pollen allergy’, Expert Review of Clinical Immunology, 7(1), pp. 21–27.

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Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast and on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition. Please don't ignore or delay seeking medical advice based on content from this podcast or website.

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