Ragweed Allergy Facts

Many people dread the changing of seasons. With each new season comes the risk and threat of allergies. Seasonal allergies occur when the seasons change and new types plants are growing and their pollen spreads. This causes many uncomfortable symptoms that can last for days or weeks.

What is Ragweed?

Weeds that grow in rural areas mainly in the Midwest and Eastern parts of the United States are typically ragweeds. There are seventeen different types of ragweed in North America. It usually only lives during the summer, but it does its fair share of damage to make people with allergies suffer. When the plant grows it can produce up to one billion pollen grains. Later in the summer months the warmth from the sun and breeze help the pollen to release into the air. When it lands on other plants it begins to fertilize for the next year. It is a continuous process that is very difficult to control. The pollen spread is prevalent mainly at the end of summer through the beginning of fall.

Who is Allergic?

People that are allergic to ragweed are allergic to more than one other type of pollen that is spread through the air. Approximately 75 percent of Americans are allergic to ragweed. People develop allergies to ragweed based on family history of allergies, being born during a time of high pollen, and other uncontrollable factors. Ragweed is part of a larger group of pollens called Compositae which includes many other pollen allergens, as well as some food allergens. People that are allergic to ragweed may also have an allergic reaction when they eat bananas, sunflower seeds or cantaloupe; this is because they all have allergens in them that are related to ragweed.

What are the Symptoms Sufferers Experience?

Hay fever is the most common affect that people who are allergic to ragweed develop. Hay fever symptoms usually develop immediately after exposure to ragweed. The symptoms can include:

• Similar symptoms of a cold. Runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and cough
• Watery eyes
• Facial pressure and pain
• Fatigue
• Irritability

How to Avoid Ragweed Allergy Attacks

Constant exposure to ragweed will make all of the symptoms of hay fever persist. That is why it is best to avoid all contact with ragweed, if possible. Avoiding it completely can be difficult because ragweed grows all over. It most frequently grows along the sides of roads, in fields and in places with the most sun exposure. It is important to be aware of the pollen count areas in the area that you live. When the pollen count is particularly high it is best to stay indoors to not get further exposure. When inside, do not let air flow naturally in. Shut windows and use air conditioning if possible/needed. Many air conditioners can help remove pollen from the air. Keeping windows open will allow further exposure to pollen and it will then be present in your home.

Allergy Relief

Allergies affect many people throughout the United States. Some people's allergies can be so severe that it forces them to either stay inside constantly to get relief. There are a number of products that help reduce the affects of allergies. Over-the-counter medications and doctor prescribed medications may be effective but can also cause multiple side effects. All natural remedies that are available are worth considering for allergy relief due to the decreased side effects for allergy relief.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/taking-itch-out-fall-allergies

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hay-fever/DS00174/DSECTION=2

http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9⊂=19&cont=267

Photo Credit: Usonian

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