Over the last fifty years or so, allergies have started to become a major problem. People are showing signs of being allergic to the most common things, including natural grass. While most people are allergic to the weeds that often grow around the edges of the lawn, many people are now showing sensitivity towards all types of pollens. Instead of choosing to live in an isolated bubble, homeowners are exploring the advantages of artificial grass and how it may help people with allergies enjoy the outdoors.
Grass Allergies?
Allergies are now as commonplace as the yearly flu bug. It has not always been this way, however. A century ago, there were few allergies to be concerned with. When people began including additives and preservatives in their diet and using more and more chemicals, their bodies began to react in different ways. Most commonly with sensitivities to various substances. Some people are allergic to foods, while others are allergic to medicines. Even more are allergic to animal hair or dander and plants that produce pollen. This includes all types of grasses, weeds, flowers and trees.
Common Symptoms
Allergies present themselves through a wide variety of symptoms. The most common symptoms that have to do with allergies to pollen include the following:
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Itchy, watery eyes
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Runny nose
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Sinus pressure
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Sneezing
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Coughing
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Nasal drainage that leads to a sore throat
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Pressure behind the ears
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Sinus headaches
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Red, itchy rash if the allergy affects the skin
Some people may exhibit one or two symptoms, while others will experience the entire lot. The symptoms can range in severity, depending on each person's level of sensitivity. Small children will commonly show more symptoms than adults, but that will depend on how resistant the person is to certain allergens.
Fighting Allergy Symptoms
Allergy tests are available that will help to determine exactly what the patient is allergic to. Once the doctor knows what type of pollen is causing the problem, a serum can be created and given on a regular basis to help the patient build up a tolerance to the pollen and reduce the severity of the symptoms. For individuals who want to try and manage their symptoms on their own, there are several over the counter medications that can be used depending on the type of symptoms the person is experiencing. It seems for the majority of people avoiding their allergen is the best way to fight the symptoms. With a grass allergy, that can be somewhat hard to accomplish.
The Benefits of Artificial Grass
Artificial grass offers several benefits for homeowners with family members who have allergies to natural grass. When a natural grass lawn is converted to artificial turf, pollen is no longer produced in the area. The only pollen in the vicinity will come from trees and other plants that are nearby. Because there is no pollen produced, there is less of it to become airborne. Another advantage of using artificial grass is that there is no mowing or trimming that kicks up ground dust and other airborne contaminants that can aggravate allergies and cause uncomfortable symptoms. The use of artificial grass also eliminates the need for any type of chemical fertilizer or herbicide that may aggravate an already sensitive immune system.
When a homeowner is faced with the option of converting their natural grass lawn to artificial grass, they often do so to save time and money. They may also take into consideration the minimal amount of water that is needed to maintain the lawn. For homeowners who have family members with severe allergies, the decision is easily made. Eliminating the main cause of their allergy symptoms will not only improve their allergy symptoms but also improve their health as well.
