Overview
While many people regard spring as prime pollen season, one type of pollen wreaks havoc in the late summer and fall. Ragweed pollen usually reaches peak levels in mid-September; this type of pollen can cause seasonal allergicRhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose, often due to an allergy to pollen, dust or other airborne substances. Seasonal allergic rhinitis also is known as "hay fever," a disorder which causes sneezing, itching, a runny nose and nasal congestion." rel="tooltip">rhinitis(more commonly known as hay fever), which affects as many as 23 million people in the U.S.
There are 17 species of ragweed in the United States. The weeds grow in most regions, typically blooming and producing a fine-powder pollen from August into November.
Don’t know if pollen from grass, trees or ragweed is the culprit?
It’s time for an allergist.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ragweedAllergies are inappropriate or exaggerated reactions of the immune system to substances that, in the majority of people, cause no symptoms. Symptoms of the allergic diseases may be caused by exposure of the skin to a chemical, of the respiratory system to particles of dust or pollen (or other substances), or of the stomach and intestines to a particular food." rel="tooltip">allergyare similar to those of other pollen allergies:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Headaches
- Irritated eyes
- Itchy throat
Ragweed pollen can also aggravateAsthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent breathing problems. People with asthma have acute episodes where the air passages in their lungs get narrower, and breathing becomes more difficult. Sometimes episodes of asthma are triggered by allergens, although infection, exercise, cold air and other factors are also important triggers." rel="tooltip">asthmasymptoms, leading to increased coughing and wheezing.
Management and Treatment
If you’re suffering from hay fever symptoms in the late summer or fall,consult an allergistabout the possibility of a ragweed allergy. Your allergist can confirm a diagnosis with askin test— applying a diluted allergen to the surface of your skin and waiting about 15 minutes to see if there is a reaction, such as a raised red bump that itches.
Ragweed allergies can be treated with antihistamines and otherallergy medications. As with pollen season in the spring, you can try to get ahead of these allergies by starting your medication two weeks before you expect your symptoms to be at their worst. Ask your allergist whether any of your medications can be taken before symptoms develop.
TwoImmunotherapy is a form of preventive and anti-inflammatory treatment of allergy to substances such as pollens, house dust mites, fungi, and stinging insect venom. Immunotherapy involves giving gradually increasing doses of the substance, or allergen, to which the person is allergic. The incremental increases of the allergen cause the immune system to become less sensitive to the substance, perhaps by causing production of a particular "blocking" antibody, which reduces the symptoms of allergy when the substance is encountered in the future." rel="tooltip">immunotherapyoptions are available for severe cases of ragweed allergy:
- Allergy shots can help your body build resistance.
- Tablets that dissolve under your tongue are available by prescription. Pills must be started 12 weeks before the beginning of ragweed season.
Other tips include:
- To avoid pollen, know which pollens you are sensitive to and then check pollen counts. In spring and summer, during tree and grass pollen season, levels are highest in the evening. In late summer and early fall, during ragweed pollen season, levels are highest in the morning.
- 紧闭的窗户,都在家里e and in the car.
- Remember that pollen can be tracked into your home via your clothes, your hair or your pet — so change your clothes after being outside for long periods of time, shower before going to bed and wash your hands after petting an animal that has been outside.
Oral Allergy Syndrome
有时当人们遭受干草fever eat raw fruits, vegetables or certain tree nuts, they develop an itchy mouth, a scratchy throat or swelling in their lips, mouth, tongue or throat. This can be a sign oforal allergy syndrome— when proteins in these raw foods are similar enough to pollen that they cause an allergic response by theThe immune system is a collection of cells and proteins that works to protect the body from potentially harmful, infectious microorganisms (microscopic life-forms), such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. The immune system plays a role in the control of cancer and other diseases, but also is the culprit in the phenomena of allergies, hypersensitivity and the rejection of transplanted organs, tissues and medical implants." rel="tooltip">immune system. Peeling, cooking or canning the fruit or vegetable may prevent symptoms for those with oral allergy syndrome.
Birch, grass and ragweed pollens are common triggers of oral allergy syndrome.
This page was reviewed for accuracy 4/23/2018.
