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Does Ragweed Allergy pose a severe health problem?

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What Is a Ragweed Allergy?

Ragweed plants are soft-stemmed weeds that germinate all over the United States. There are at least 17 species of ragweed that grow across North America. These plants are most frequently found in pastoral areas and open spaces that receive plenty of sun. Between late spring and the end of fall months, ragweed plants release tiny pollen grains to fertilize other ragweed plants.

Depending on the location, ragweed may begin spreading its pollen as early as July and continue into the middle of October. Its wind-driven pollen can travel hundreds of miles and survive through mild winters.

Ragweed pollen is the leading cause of seasonal allergies in the United States. Many people have an immune adverse response when they breathe in pollen. Typically, the immune system defends the body against harmful invaders, such as viruses and bacteria, to protect against illnesses. In people with ragweed allergies, the immune system mistakes ragweed pollen as a harmful substance. This causes the immune system to create chemicals to fight the pollen, even though it is harmless. The response leads to bothersome symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

Approximately 26% of Americans have ragweed allergies. The allergy is unlikely to go away once it has developed. However, symptoms can be treated with medications and allergy shots. Making certain lifestyle changes may also alleviate the symptoms associated with ragweed allergies.

Ragweed Allergy: What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms may vary at different times, depending on where you live and the weather. However, the most common ragweed allergy symptoms include:

Some people may also develop allergic eczema after exposure to ragweed pollen. This itchy, painful rash generally consists of small bumps and blisters. It can appear within the first 24 to 48 hours after exposure. The inflammation typically resolves on its own within two to three weeks.

Symptoms can worsen due to other irritants, such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, or strong odors. The Environmental Protection Agency has claimed that climate change may worsen ragweed allergy symptoms. Warmer temperatures may lengthen the ragweed pollen season. They can also cause ragweed to produce increased quantities of pollen.

What Causes a Ragweed Allergy?

A ragweed allergy occurs when the immune system has an adverse response to ragweed pollen. In people with ragweed allergies, the immune system identifies the harmless pollen as a dangerous invader and begins to fight against it. Typically, the immune system triggers chemical changes in the body that help fight off harmful invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. A natural substance known as histamine is released when the body encounters ragweed pollen. The histamine causes many uncomfortable symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

Ragweed belongs to a larger family of flowering plants called Compositae. These plants can be found in all 50 states, many areas in Canada, and the temperate regions of South America. A person can come into contact with ragweed pollen by breathing it in the air, making the pollen very difficult to avoid. Ragweed pollen season typically occurs between August and late October and peaks in September. The amount of pollen in the air is usually highest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., depending on the weather. Low temperatures and rain can help lower pollen levels.

People allergic to other substances are more likely to react to ragweed pollen. You are at an increased risk for ragweed allergies if you are also allergic to:

Allergies also run in families, so if several of your close family members have ragweed allergies, you are more likely to develop one too.

How Is a Ragweed Allergy Diagnosed?

Your doctor can typically diagnose ragweed allergy. However, they may refer you to an allergist for allergy testing to confirm the diagnosis. An allergist is a specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating allergies. The allergist will ask about your medical history and symptoms, including when and how long they have persisted. Let the specialist know if the symptoms are only present or worsen at certain times.

The allergist will also perform a skin prick test to determine the specific allergen causing your symptoms. The skin prick procedure typically goes as follows:

The allergist will review the results with you. You might be allergic to more than one substance.

Having a reaction during a skin prick test does not always mean that you are allergic to the substance. The allergist will use the test results and medical evaluation to make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

How Is a Ragweed Allergy Treated?

Ragweed pollen is very difficult to avoid, so you will likely experience ongoing allergic reactions. However, many treatments can help relieve ragweed allergy symptoms.

Medications
Medications that can ease symptoms include:

Ask your doctor about prescription medications if over-the-counter ones are ineffective. Due to the risk of severe side effects, the prescription medication montelukast (Singulair) should only be used if no other appropriate treatment options exist.

Allergy Shots
Your doctor may recommend allergy shots if medications fail to work. Allergy shots are a form of immunotherapy involving a series of allergen injections. The shots modify the body’s response to the allergen, reducing the severity of allergic reactions. The amount of allergen in the shot gradually increases over time. You may experience complete relief within one to three years of starting allergy shots.

Sublingual immunotherapies for treating ragweed allergies are also available. This treatment involves placing a tablet containing the allergen under the tongue and swallowing it. It provides the same benefits as allergy shots.

Lifestyle Changes
You can also make certain lifestyle changes to help prevent an allergic response to ragweed:

Foods to Avoid
Some foods and herbs contain proteins similar to ragweed pollen, which may trigger an allergic response. These include:

Symptoms related to food allergies will generally worsen during ragweed season. You should contact an allergist if you notice your mouth tingling or itching after eating any of the listed foods.

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What Is a Ragweed Allergy? Ragweed Allergy: What Are the Symptoms? What Causes a Ragweed Allergy? How Is a Ragweed Allergy Diagnosed? How Is a Ragweed Allergy Treated? Medications Allergy Shots Lifestyle Changes Foods to Avoid

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Subheadings

  1. What Is a Ragweed Allergy?
  2. Ragweed Allergy: What Are the Symptoms?
  3. What Causes a Ragweed Allergy?
  4. How Is a Ragweed Allergy Diagnosed?
  5. How Is a Ragweed Allergy Treated?
    • Medications
    • Allergy Shots
    • Lifestyle Changes
    • Foods to Avoid

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ragweed allergy, seasonal allergies, ragweed pollen, allergy symptoms, pollen allergy, ragweed treatment, allergy diagnosis, antihistamines, lifestyle changes for allergies, foods to avoid allergies

Meta Description

Discover everything about ragweed allergies, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, including medications, lifestyle changes, and foods to avoid during ragweed season.

Excerpt

Ragweed allergy affects millions of people, causing sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion during the late summer and fall. Learn how to manage and treat symptoms effectively.

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ragweed allergy

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