Evaluation of the cause of nasal and ocular symptoms associated with lawn mowing

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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Absorption of Nasal and Bronchial Fluids: Precision Sampling of the Human Respiratory Mucosa and Laboratory Processing of Samples
11:54

Absorption of Nasal and Bronchial Fluids: Precision Sampling of the Human Respiratory Mucosa and Laboratory Processing of Samples

Published on: January 21, 2018

M S Rowe, J Bailey, D R Ownby

    The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
    |May 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Lawn mowing can worsen allergy symptoms due to grass pollens, not molds. This study found a link between mowing and allergic reactions, particularly with grass pollen sensitivity.

    Area of Science:

    • Allergy and Immunology
    • Environmental Health

    Background:

    • Seasonal and perennial rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms can be triggered by environmental exposures.
    • Exposure to lawn mowing is a common trigger for sudden worsening of allergy symptoms in some individuals.
    • Previous hypotheses suggested mold agitation as the cause, but this study investigated allergic mechanisms.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the allergic mechanisms behind exacerbated nasal and ocular symptoms during lawn mowing.
    • To determine if symptoms are associated with specific allergens like pollens or molds.
    • To differentiate between mold and pollen allergies as triggers for lawn mowing-related symptoms.

    Main Methods:

    • Studied 50 new rhinitis patients using detailed history, skin testing, total and specific IgE assays, and nasal smears.
    • Categorized patients based on symptom severity during lawn mowing exposure.
    • Analyzed correlations between symptom severity and positive skin tests or IgE levels for various allergens.

    Main Results:

    • 14 out of 50 patients reported severe symptoms, 11 mild, and 25 minimal/no change with lawn mowing.
    • Symptomatic patients showed significantly higher rates of positive skin tests to grasses, trees, and weed pollens.
    • Elevated serum total IgE and specific IgE antibodies to grass pollens were strongly associated with mowing-induced symptoms.

    Conclusions:

    • Increased nasal and ocular symptoms during lawn mowing are allergic phenomena.
    • These symptoms are significantly associated with skin test sensitivity and IgE antibodies to grass pollens.
    • No significant association was found with sensitivity or IgE to molds or grass-leaf extract, challenging previous assumptions.

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