Grass

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For typical hay fever type problems, self-treatment may be appropriate. In mild cases, the use of antihistamines to treat the allergy problems and decongestants to treat any congestion is often appropriate. However, consult with the health care provider to make sure there are no medical reasons to avoid these medications.

If the person experiences difficulty breathing, contact the health care provider for further guidance. If unable to contact the health care provider and the breathing difficulty is progressively getting worse, go to an emergency room for proper medical care.

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
• the name of the plant and the parts eaten
• the time it was swallowed
• the amount swallowed

This call is usually unnecessary unless the person is having a severe allergic reaction to the grass or is experiencing breathing difficulties. If the grass has recently been fertilized, sprayed with an insecticide or herbicide, or treated with a chemical in any way, contact Poison Control.

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring a sample of the insecticide with you to the emergency room for identification.

The symptoms will be treated.

Normally there are no major problems unless the patient is asthmatic (see asthma) or has a severe allergic reaction to the grass. Recovery usually occurs.

Review Date: 02/13/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.