Timothy grass is a leading source of allergies from late spring through summer. (1) Nearly every state in the US deals with Timothy grass allergies.

Thankfully, there are methods for managing and preventing timothy grass allergies, including avoidance, medication, and immunotherapy. (2)

This article will explain what Timothy grass allergies are, common symptoms, and treatment options.

Find out how Quello allergy drops can help you enjoy an allergy-free timothy grass season.

What is a Timothy Grass Allergy?

A timothy grass allergy occurs when an allergic person comes in contact with timothy grass pollen. It causes a reaction that can vary based on the person and the season.

Pollen is a fine to coarse powdery substance produced by plants as part of the reproduction process (3). It is a natural process that causes seasonal and/or yearlong discomfort for many Americans.

Timothy grass is recognized by its distinct flower head resembling a small green “cat tail”, and its long green stalk. It grows in clumps and can reach 1.5 meters (5 ft) tall. (4)

It grows in all 50 states but is especially prevalent in the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho), Northeast (New York, Vermont, Pennsylvania), and Mountain West (Utah, Wyoming, Colorado). It prefers places with cooler summers. (5)

When is Timothy Grass Allergy Season?

Timothy grass is perennial, meaning it will grow back season after season without needing to be replanted/reseeded. (6)

Timothy grass typically begins growing in early spring and becomes dormant after the first frost in late fall. (6, 7)

Timothy grass pollen generally peaks in late spring and early summer (May-June), but pollen can persist into the fall (2, 7).

Due to increased carbon dioxide in the air, growing seasons are longer. This results in higher amounts of grass pollen, such as Timothy Grass pollen, being released during allergy season. (8).

Causes and Symptoms of Timothy Grass Allergy

Timothy grass allergy develops after exposure to Timothy grass pollen, which can sensitize the immune system and trigger a reaction during pollen season.

Allergy symptoms from timothy grass occur because of the sensitized immune system recognizing timothy grass pollen as a “foreign invader”. (3)

Below are common symptoms of timothy grass allergy: (10)

• Runny nos

• Stuffy nose

• Postnasal drip (mucus runs down the back of the nose into the throat)

• Sneezing

• Itchy nose, eyes, ears, and mouth

• Red and watery eyes

• Swelling around the eyes

• Shortness of breath, coughing, and/or wheezing

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Timothy grass allergy symptoms can last for weeks to months, depending on factors such as weather conditions, personal sensitivity, and annual pollen counts. (8)

When pollen levels are higher for timothy grass, symptoms become more severe. Limiting exposure to timothy grass pollen can help reduce symptoms.

Timothy Grass Allergy Treatment Options

There are 3 ways to treat Timothy grass allergies:

1. Avoidance or limited exposure to timothy grass pollen

Reducing exposure to timothy grass pollen can help to significantly reduce symptoms. Here are some examples of ways to reduce Timothy grass pollen exposure:

• Limit outdoor activities when Timothy grass pollen counts are high (May-June)

• Take shoes off before entering your home to avoid bringing pollen indoors.

• Close windows when pollen count is high; consider using air conditioning during the summer.

• Shower and change clothes immediately after being outdoors for an extended period.

• Dry clothes in a clothes dryer, not outside where pollen can attach.

• Frequently bathe pets; their fur can collect timothy grass pollen.

2. Use of allergy medications

Timothy grass allergy symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications, including:  (11)

• Corticosteroid nasal sprays (Flonase, Nasacort)

• Oral or intranasal antihistamines (Oral - Allegra, Zyrtec, Claritin; Intranasal – Astelin, Astepro)

• Eye drops (Antihistamine – Azelastine/Optivar, Bepreve)

• Oral or intranasal decongestants (Oral – SUDAFED; Intranasal – Afrin, Vicks Sinex)

• Intranasal mast cell stabilizers (cromolyn sodium nasal spray)

• Leukotriene receptor antagonists (ACCOLATE, Zyflo CR)

For allergy medications to be most effective against a timothy grass allergy, begin taking them at least two weeks before the pollen season begins. (2)

This would mean starting Timothy grass allergy medications in late April. Keep in mind that most conventional allergy medicines only provide temporary relief from allergy symptoms.

3. Treating the Root Cause of Allergies with Immunotherapy

Allergen immunotherapy, in the form of shots or drops, is a treatment option for those who do not achieve effective relief with regular allergy avoidance or medications.

This treatment option is optimal for patients seeking long-term relief from Timothy grass allergies rather than symptom management.

Immunotherapy is a safe and effective treatment option. Research has shown that both allergy drops and shots can provide patients with lasting relief from timothy grass allergens. (12)

How do immunotherapies work for Timothy grass allergies?

Allergen immunotherapy for timothy grass works by retraining the immune system to better tolerate the allergen. This is done by gradually exposing the body to small amounts of timothy grass pollen extract.

Over time, this causes the immune system to become less sensitive to timothy grass pollen, reducing the patient's symptoms when exposed to the allergen. (11, 12)

Both allergy shots and drops are effective and, over time, offer a more cost-effective solution for allergies than conventional allergy medicines.

Ready to start addressing Timothy grass allergies at the source?

Quello allergy drops use high-quality, FDA-approved timothy grass allergen extracts to help reduce symptoms over time. Begin with a free allergy test to find out your major allergy triggers.

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Foods to Avoid If You Have Timothy Grass Allergy

A Timothy grass allergy can trigger symptoms like swelling or itching in or around the mouth after eating certain foods. This is known as Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS), also known as Oral Allergy Syndrome. (8, 13)

PFAS occurs when the immune system reacts to proteins similar to those found in Timothy grass pollen and certain foods.

Below are some foods to avoid if you experience seasonal timothy grass allergies: (10, 13)

• Melon

• Watermelon

• Citrus

• Banana

• Pineapple

• Persimmon

• Zucchini

• Tomato

• Hazelnut

• Peanut

Typically, people affected by PFAS can eat the same foods when cooked. When food is cooked, proteins are denatured, often preventing the immune system from recognizing them. (14)

Let Quello help you say Goodbye to Timothy Grass Allergies

Have a timothy grass-free allergy season this summer and fall by starting timothy grass allergen immunotherapy with Quello Allergy Drops today.

Quello Allergy Drops are simple, painless, and convenient, with no needles and no frequent trips to the doctor’s office.

Start with a free allergy test and consultation with our allergists to find out whether timothy grass is the main cause of your seasonal allergy symptoms.