Itchy eyes, constant sneezing, and a runny nose – for many people, spring marks the beginning of grass allergy season. Pollen counts reach their peak between May and July, making everyday life a burden for allergy sufferers. But with the right knowledge and targeted measures, pollen season can be more easily survived. In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about grass allergies: from typical symptoms and effective treatment options to the current allergy calendar and new treatment approaches using probiotics such as Lactobacillus paracasei LP-33 and GMNL-133.
What is a grass allergy?
Grass allergy is one of the most common pollen allergies in Germany. It is a form of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and is triggered by the pollen of certain grass species. The immune system overreacts to proteins in the pollen, triggering an inflammatory reaction in the mucous membranes. Symptoms typically begin in late spring and last into summer.
Typical symptoms of grass allergy
Grass pollen triggers a variety of symptoms in those affected. These often depend on the intensity of the pollen count. The most common symptoms include:
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Frequent sneezing
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Runny or stuffy nose
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Itching in the eyes, nose or throat
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Redness and tears of the eyes
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Coughing or breathing difficulties in case of severe allergy
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Fatigue and concentration problems due to constant irritation
These symptoms can occur not only outdoors – as pollen penetrates indoors, the allergy can also become a problem at home.
The allergy calendar for grass allergy
An allergy calendar (also called a pollen calendar) is a valuable tool for those affected. It shows when which grass pollens are in the air and with what intensity. Depending on the weather, region, and year, the exact pollen counts can vary slightly, but in general, certain peak times can be identified.
Grass pollen allergy calendar: annual overview
| Grass species | Main flowering period | Pollen load |
|---|---|---|
| Timothy grass | May to July | Very high |
| ryegrass | May to July | High to very high |
| Red fescue | May to August | Medium to high |
| Cocksfoot | May to July | High |
| Perennial ryegrass | May to July | High |
| Cocksfoot | May to July | High |
| meadow grass | May to August | Medium |
Monthly grass pollen exposure
| Month | Pollen intensity (total) |
| January | No |
| February | Very low |
| March | Low (precursors possible) |
| April | Beginning of grass flowering |
| May | High |
| June | Very high |
| July | High |
| August | Medium |
| September | Decreasing |
| October | Little to no |
| November | No |
| December | No |
Due to global warming, the flowering season tends to start earlier, which means that allergy sufferers should look out for the first symptoms as early as March.
Tips for using the allergy calendar
A pollen calendar not only helps allergy sufferers prepare for particularly stressful months, but also optimizes their treatment. On days with high pollen counts, it's recommended to minimize outdoor activities, avoid outdoor exercise, and change clothes or shower in the evening to wash off pollen.
In addition, there are now numerous apps and websites that display the current pollen count. This real-time data is particularly helpful when the weather is unpredictable and regional differences need to be taken into account.
Treatment options for grass allergy
Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. Antihistamines, cortisone-containing nasal sprays, and eye drops are commonly used for short-term relief. These medications block the effects of histamine, the messenger substance responsible for the allergic reaction.
For long-term improvement, specific immunotherapy (SIT or hyposensitization) is recommended. This involves gradually acclimating the immune system to the allergen. This therapy typically lasts three years but shows lasting success in many patients.
Probiotics for grass allergy: A new therapeutic approach
In recent years, it has become clear that a healthy gut plays an important role in regulating the immune system. Probiotics – live, health-promoting bacteria – can restore the balance of the intestinal flora and reduce inflammatory processes. Two strains in particular are the focus of research:
Lactobacillus paracasei LP-33
LP-33 is one of the best-known probiotic strains associated with allergic rhinitis. Studies show that this strain has a positive effect on the immune system and can reduce allergic reactions. Patients report noticeable relief from symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Lactobacillus paracasei GMNL-133
This strain also has an immunoregulating effect by improving the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory immune cells. Taking GMNL-133 can help reduce typical hay fever symptoms, especially if started preventively before the pollen season.
Both strains are considered well-tolerated and can be taken alongside conventional medications. However, it is important to select high-quality products with sufficiently high bacterial counts.
Conclusion
Grass allergy is a serious condition that not only limits quality of life but can also lead to chronic complications such as allergic asthma. Targeted allergy management, including regular review of an allergy calendar, helps those affected improve their daily lives. Modern treatment options—from antihistamines to immunotherapy—are available, as are supportive measures such as taking probiotics.
With knowledge of the most important flowering times and timely preparation for the pollen season, grass allergies can be much better controlled.
