Ragweed Allergies the Scourge of Indian Summer
Beautiful Autumn Weather Brings Fall Pollens That Cause Misery
Sep 5, 2008
Ragweed season may be the worst season of all for people with allergies. Grass and tree pollens finally diminish and along comes the cruel ragweed pollen season. Sadly, during the beautiful weather of Indian Summer, one of the best ways to prevent nasty symptoms is to stay indoors with windows closed. Medication helps to alleviate and control the annoying symptoms of ragweed allergies, which commonly include sneezing, itching eyes, nasal congestion and runny noses. Symptoms can elevate to severe reactions such as headaches and wheezing.
Economic Costs of Ragweed Allergy
According to the John Hopkins Medicine website, over 36 millions Americans suffer from hay fever. Symptoms caused by ragweed allergies and hay fever have an economic cost to the tune of over $3 billion each year, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). Economic costs come from lost production, doctor visits and medications.
Ragweed Season
Ragweed starts blooming in Mid-August and can continue into early October in most of the country. A single ragweed can produce an astonishing one billion pollen grains, which are lightweight particles that can travel up to 400 miles in the wind. Ragweed often grows in fields and along the road, but the pollens can even blow into urban areas where there is nary a weed to be found. Ragweed is abundant in the Northeast, Midwest and South from Mid August to the first frost, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Medication for Relief of Symptoms
People with ragweed allergies can obtain a measure of relief by taking over the counter or prescription medications recommended by an allergist. Medications should be started 10 days to 14 days prior to the onset of ragweed season. Medication should be continued until the season has been over for two to three weeks to reduce nasal reactions that may occur after the season has ended. Recommended medication may include nasal inhalers and oral antihistamines.
Oral Allergy Syndrome
According to the Mayo Clinic Health website, people who are allergic to pollen may also react to certain foods, called cross-reactivity. Fruits and vegetables may contain proteins that cause a reaction because they are similar to ragweed. Mild allergic reaction to fresh fruits may cause the mouth to itch or tingle.
Oral allergy syndrome can be caused by watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, bananas, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchinis, chamomile, echinacea and sunflower seeds.
Consult an allergist before taking any herbal supplements, as supplements may contain substances that cause allergic reactions in people with allergies.
Avoid Exposure to the Culprit
People who are allergic to ragweed should avoid exercising outdoors when pollen counts are high. Shower and wash hair to rinse away the pollens stuck to body and hair. After being outdoors, take off clothes and put into hamper to avoid spreading pollen indoors, Vacuum frequently to pick up stray pollens indoors.Tips to Help Control Ragweed Allergy Symptoms
Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. See an allergist or qualified medical practitioner for professional diagnoses and recommendations.
