Ragweed allergy can bring on impossible-to-ignore symptoms.
What Is Ragweed Allergy?
Ragweed is a weed with flowers that release pollen.
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With this comes inflammation of the nasal passages.
Ragweed pollen is the most common cause of fall hay fever.
When Is Ragweed Season?
Ragweed pollen is mostly released between August and October.
In most places, ragweed pollen peaks in mid-September and continues until the first frost kills the plant.
The ragweed season typically lasts six to 10 weeks.
Pollen counts are highest during the morning hours and on windy days.
Rainfall can decrease pollen counts.
Where Is Ragweed Pollen Commonly Found?
There are 17 species of ragweed that grow in North America.
Even minimal exposure to ragweed pollen can be enough for this process to begin.
The antibodies trigger your mast cells, also part of the immune system, to release chemicals such ashistamine.
Some people with ragweed allergy may experiencepollen food allergy syndromefrom consuming these proteins.
What Is Oral Allergy Syndrome?
In rare cases, some people with pollen food allergy syndrome can develop systemic symptoms including anaphylaxis.
Allergies todust mites,mold, orpet dandercan overlap with pollen allergies.
The allergist will ask you about your medical history, the symptoms you’re experiencing, and their timing.
They may also performskin or blood teststo confirm a ragweed allergy or to diagnose other allergies.
Blood tests look for antibodies or the actions of antibodies within a blood sample.
It may be considered if other medications don’t bring you relief.
Speak to an allergist about which treatments or combination of treatments might be best for you.
They may be used alone or in combination.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is typically delivered inallergy shots.
Maintenance treatments given about once a month are typically needed for several years.
There are also drops or tablets with ragweed extract that go under the tongue, which is calledsublingual immunotherapy.
Ragwitek is one example.
However, many find that commitment worthwhile.
Immunotherapies have been well studied in the treatment of ragweed allergy and are known to be very effective.
OTC or prescription medications can help ease ragweed allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion and/or inflammation.
If you have allergy symptoms between August and October, it might be brought on by ragweed.
See an allergist who can diagnose allergies and offer a treatment plan that may include mediations and immunotherapy.
The season usually lasts six to 10 weeks and peaks in September.
Any of the non-drowsy antihistamines, such as Claritin or Zyrtec, may be helpful for ragweed allergies.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Ragweed pollen allergy.
Allergy & Asthma web connection.Ragweed allergies.
2014;10(1):55. doi:10.1186/1710-1492-10-55
Cleveland Clinic.Can you outgrow hay fever or other allergies?
Updated May 7, 2021.
