Rye Grass Allergies & Anaphylaxis

Rye grass allergic reactions can range from mild to moderate hay fever symptoms of nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing and conjunctivitis. Rye grass allergies may exacerbate with increased exposure, causing emergency anaphylaxis and requiring immediate medical attention.

Significance

• Rye grass is a type of pollinating grass, meaning it carries and gives off proteins, which act as allergens in sensitized individuals. These proteins enter the body through the nose, mouth or eyes.

Effects

• Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies respond to rye grass proteins as a harmful substance in allergic individuals, triggering mast cells to release chemical histamines that cause swelling of the nose, eyes, skin and airways.

Anaphylaxis

• Severe rye grass allergies may result in anaphylaxis, an emergency condition in which the airways become inflamed, constricting breathing within five minutes of allergen exposure.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of anaphylaxis include: hives, wheezing, chest tightness, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, low blood pressure, breathing difficulty and cardiac arrest that may occur and rapidly worsen within seconds of rye grass contact.

Treatment

• Rye grass anaphylaxis is treated with an emergency shot of epinephrine at the onset of symptoms. Antihistamines, prednisone and inhalers may be administered to further reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.