How does prolonged exposure to Needle Grass pollen affect the immune system?

Prolonged exposure to Needle Grass pollen, as with many allergens, prompts the immune system to react even when it's not necessary, creating what we know as an allergic reaction. This pollen is regarded as an invader by the immune system, which results in the production of specific antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE).

IgE antibodies attach to a type of immune cell called mast cells, which are plentiful in common points of pollen entry like the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. When you are next exposed to Needle Grass pollen, the pollen binds to the IgE antibodies, sparking the mast cells to release a cascade of chemicals, with histamine being the most prominent.

Histamine kicks off inflammation and swelling of the affected tissue, which presents as common allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, coughing, and even asthma attacks in severe cases. In essence, your immune system's response to frequent exposure could exacerbate your symptoms.

Chronic exposure might also lead to your immune system becoming hypersensitive over time, meaning smaller amounts of pollen can trigger more substantial allergic reactions. This heightened state of alert of your immune system can put a strain on your overall health, leading to fatigue, disrupted sleep and reduced quality of life. In such cases, doctors may recommend allergy pills, such as antihistamines, to manage the symptoms, or immunotherapy for long-term relief.