How does Needle Grass pollen allergy affect athletes and their performance?

Needle Grass pollen allergy can significantly impact the performance of athletes. Breathing is crucial during physical activities as body cells require oxygen to produce energy, and sports activities enhance this demand. The allergy results from the body's overactive immune response to the pollen, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and most significantly for athletes, difficulty in breathing and chest tightness.

Impaired breath control affects the athlete's stamina, reducing their ability to compete, especially in endurance sports. Moreover, antihistamines, the conventional treatment, can cause drowsiness, affecting concentration and reaction time, which is essential in sports. Nasal congestion, another symptom, impacts sleep quality, reducing recovery time and affecting the overall performance.

However, with proper management, athletes can still succeed even with this allergy. They can monitor pollen counts and plan their outdoor trainings when the counts are low or opt for indoor trainings. Moreover, they can take non-sedating antihistamines or use nasal steroids to manage symptoms without affecting performance. Regular check-ups with allergy specialists also help in long-term management.