Topic of the Month - July - Ragweed: what's really behind your seasonal allergies?
In this Topic of the Month, you will learn about::
- What symptoms are caused by ragweed?
- How can you avoid ragweed exposure?
- How can you treat allergies caused by ragweed?
- When should you see an allergist/immunologist?
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During the fall season you may notice that you sneeze and have a runny nose more than usual. August 15th marks the unofficial start of ragweed season. This means that the country's 36 million seasonal allergy sufferers will want to take precautions to avoid exposure to ragweed, a stubborn plant that can grow in practically any region. Almost no place in the United States is ragweed-free.
Ragweed produces one billion pollen grains per average season. These grains can travel up to 400 miles due to their lightweight texture which can easily carry in the wind. It commonly grows in fields, along roadsides and in vacant lots. Ragweed is most prevalent throughout the Northeast, South and Midwest from mid-August to October, making it a significant cause of fall allergies.
What symptoms are caused by ragweed?
Ragweed causes what most people commonly refer to as "hay fever," or what allergist/immunologists refer to as allergic rhinitis, which is caused by breathing in allergens such as pollen. When exposed to ragweed, allergy sufferers often experience sneezing, runny noses and swollen, itchy, watery eyes. These symptoms of allergic rhinitis can have a major impact on a person's quality of life, including his or her ability to function well at school or work.
Nearly 80% of patients with seasonal allergies experience sleep problems, leading to fatigue, loss of concentration and poor performance at work and school. In fact, each year, more than 3.8 million days of work and school are missed due to the abundance of ragweed in the air which, in turn, causes seasonal allergies.
In addition to sneezing and itchy, watery eyes, ragweed allergies can also cause symptoms of oral allergy syndrome (OAS). Oral allergy syndrome causes people with seasonal allergies to experience a worsening of allergy symptoms after consuming fresh fruits or vegetables. Itchiness of the mouth and throat with mild angiodema (swelling) are common symptoms of OAS. Individuals with ragweed allergies might experience symptoms of OAS when consuming foods such as:
- Banana
- Cucumber
- Melon
- Zucchini
- Sunflower seeds
- Chamomile tea
- Echinacea
How can you avoid ragweed exposure?
To reduce exposure to ragweed, remember the following tips:
- Avoid areas where ragweed plants thrive, including ditches, vacant lots, roadsides, riverbanks and the edges of wooded areas.
- Keep windows closed at all times during ragweed season to prevent pollen from drifting into your home. Use air conditioning, which cools, cleans and dries the air.
- Keep your car windows closed when traveling.
- Minimize outdoor activity when pollen counts are high.
- Take a shower after spending time outside; pollen can collect on your hair and skin.
- Minimize your exposure to other known allergens during ragweed season, since symptoms are the result of a cumulative effect of multiple allergens.
- Get up-to-date pollen information for your area by visiting the National Allergy Bureau (NAB).
How can you treat allergies caused by ragweed?
It is important to talk to an allergist/immunologist for advice on how you can prevent and control your allergies caused by ragweed. To help alleviate and relieve symptoms, your physician may prescribe medications such as:
 To help prepare for the arrival of ragweed, begin your allergy medications prescribed by your allergist/immunologist 10-14 days prior to your area's peak ragweed season. Before taking herbal supplements or other alternative therapies to treat your allergies, consult with an allergist/immunologist because these treatments may potentially cause serious side effects without alleviating symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
By learning about the causes and symptoms of various forms of rhinitis, or "hay fever," you will be better able to identify and avoid your triggers. Your allergist/immunologist can assist by making an accurate diagnosis and developing an effective treatment plan for you.
When should you see an allergist/immunologist?
The AAAAI's How the Allergist/Immunologist Can Help: Consultation and Referral Guidelines Citing the Evidence provide information to assist patients and health care professionals in determining when a patient may need consultation or ongoing specialty care by the allergist/immunologist. Patients should see an allergist/immunologist if they:
- Have prolonged or severe symptoms of rhinitis.
- Have nasal polyps.
- Have co-existing conditions such as asthma or recurrent sinusitis.
- Have symptoms interfering with quality of life and/or ability to function.
- Have limited their diet based upon perceived adverse reactions to foods or additives.
- Experience itchy mouth from raw fruits or vegetables.
- Have found medications to be ineffective or have had adverse reactions to medications.
- Are a child with allergic rhinitis, because immunotherapy may potentially prevent the development of asthma.
Consulting with an allergist/immunologist before your symptoms begin, or before they worsen, is an important first step in maintaining proper allergy and asthma control. An allergist/immunologist is the best qualified medical professional trained to manage the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of allergic disease. To find an allergist/immunologist in your area, please visit www.aaaai.org/physref.
Additional Resources
Ragweed feature
The Fall Allergy Guide
Tips to Remember: Rhinitis
Tips to Remember: Outdoor allergens
The National Allergy Bureau: Pollen counts
Tips to Remember: Role of the allergist/immunologist
This topic was reviewed on 8/1/2007 by Stuart Friedman, MD, FAAAAI, Patients & Consumers Web Editor.
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