8 Things You Should Know About Ragweed Allergies

Ragweed allergies are caused by the pollens of the ragweed plant. Ragweed allergies affect about 15% of Americans and can cause hay fever. In severe cases, you will need to rush to an allergy clinic. Here are the things you should know about ragweed allergies.

Some Foods And Plants Can Also Trigger Ragweed Allergies

Ragweed pollens cause ragweed allergies. However, there are some foods and plants that can be responsible for developing ragweed allergies. This happens when your body mistakes other foods and plants for ragweed pollen and triggers the same allergic reaction that it will in response to the ragweed pollen.

Therefore, if you have a ragweed allergy, you should limit or avoid eating bananas, cucumbers, watermelon, honey drew, cantaloupes, and white potatoes. Usually, they irritate your body because their proteins are similar to those of ragweed pollen so the body reacts similarly.

Moreover, you should avoid going near or planting these types of plants; rabbit brush, sunflower, eupatorium, and marsh elder.

Ragweed Allergies Peak In September

Usually, ragweed grows from the end of July to the last days of October. However, if you’re allergic to ragweed but not experiencing any symptoms in July and August, you should not become completely carefree because the peak time for ragweed allergies is in September.

To be on top of ragweed growth in your area, be sure to when the ragweed season starts, peaks, and ends in your region so you can manage your symptoms and be careful during the peak time.

Ragweed Pollen Is Everywhere In The Ragweed Season

Ragweed is grown in more than forty states of the US. Moreover, ragweed pollen is extremely and it scatters with the wind easily and can travel long distances from the source plant. Moreover, some types of ragweed pollen are spread through insects as well.

So, if you’re living in the US, avoiding ragweed pollen will be near to impossible for you because it will be everywhere during its season.

You Can Prevent Ragweed Allergies With Lifestyle Changes

By changing some of your habits, you can avoid ragweed and other pollen allergies. You should leave your shoes at your door and also tell everyone else to do the same. Moreover, cover your hair and face before going outside and wash your hands, face, and hair after coming back. Changing clothes is better too. If you go outside often, change clothes at the end of the day before sleeping.

Furthermore, consider changing the air filters of your HVAC system and keeping your windows closed.

Ragweed Pollen Is High From The Morning Till Afternoon

On any day, the highest number of ragweed pollen is seen from dawn till the afternoon of that day. This shows that if you’re allergic to pollen, you should avoid going out at that time, and if you do cover your face and hair. Moreover, going out in the evening may be safer because the amount of pollen is lower during that time of the day.

Keep in mind that weather can also increase or decrease pollen. For example, the wind will take part in spreading pollen whereas rain can reduce the amount of pollen.

Immunotherapy Can Treat Ragweed Allergies

For people who have a severe reaction to ragweed pollen, immunotherapy is suggested. In it, your body is exposed to a small amount of the allergen to make the body less sensitive to the allergen.

Indoor Air Quality Affects Ragweed Allergies

Your indoor air quality can elevate or reduce your ragweed allergy symptoms. Indoor air can have 2 to 5 times more allergens than outdoor air. Therefore, anyone who has any type of allergy should clean or replace their HVAC filters frequently. Moreover, make sure that all the rooms in your house have enough ventilation.

Ragweed Allergies Can Cause An Asthma Attack

People who are suffering from asthma and ragweed allergy are at a high risk of their asthma getting flared up by the allergy. So, you should keep your prescribed quick-relief albuterol inhaler with you at all times and use it the moment you notice allergy symptoms.

Conclusion

Ragweed pollen can cause itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, nasal congestion, and allergic rhinitis. Therefore, consult an allergy doctor Manassas for a treatment plan during the ragweed season.

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