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Grass pollen allergy

Timothy grass is used to test for grass pollen allergy, because most grasses cross-react with each other. In much of Europe, grass pollen causes symptoms from May to August, peaking in early summer.

Allergen
Timothy grass Phleum pratense
Allergen code
g6
Season
May–August
Key allergens
Phl p 1, Phl p 5
Included in
3 tests
Contents
  1. What is grass pollen allergy?
  2. Symptoms
  3. When do grasses flower?
  4. Cross-reactivity
  5. How to get tested
  6. Frequently asked questions

What is grass pollen allergy?

Grass pollen allergy is one of the most common pollen allergies in Europe. Timothy is a common meadow and pasture grass, and its allergens resemble those in most other grasses, such as meadow grass, ryegrass and cocksfoot. That is why timothy is used to test for grass pollen allergy in general. The most important allergens are called Phl p 1 and Phl p 5.

Symptoms

  • Sneezing, itching and a runny or blocked nose
  • Itchy and watery eyes
  • Coughing, wheezing and asthma
  • Tiredness for much of the summer

Symptoms tend to be worst on warm, dry and windy days.

When do grasses flower?

In much of Europe, grasses flower from May to August, with the highest levels in early summer. In warmer parts of Europe the season starts earlier, and the further north you go, the later the peak. The season is longer than birch's, because different grasses flower one after another.

Cross-reactivity

Because grasses cross-react, it matters little which grass is flowering – people who are allergic to timothy usually react to most grasses. Pollen from cultivated rye also cross-reacts with timothy. Grass pollen allergy can also give a positive result for wheat even if wheat in food causes no symptoms.

How to get tested

Timothy grass (allergen code g6) is included in our Pollen allergy and Airborne allergy tests and in Allergy Test Plus. The test shows whether you have IgE antibodies to grass pollen, and it can be taken at any time of year.

Frequently asked questions

Is timothy allergy the same as grass allergy?

In practice, yes. Timothy is used to represent the grasses, because almost everyone with grass pollen allergy has IgE to timothy.

Can I be allergic to grass but not to birch?

Yes. Many people have both, but the allergens are different, so it is common to react to only one of them. In that case, symptoms do not start until the grass season in late spring or early summer.

Often cross-reacts with

This text is general information and does not replace an assessment by a healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 112. If you have questions about your health, contact your doctor.

Tests for grass pollen allergy

You take the sample yourself at home. The tests measure IgE antibodies in a capillary blood sample.

Grass pollen

In much of Europe, grasses flower from May to August, peaking in early summer; further south the season starts earlier. Most grasses cross-react with each other, so timothy grass is often enough to show grass pollen allergy.

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