Many people associate hay fever (allergic rhinitis) with springtime, but it can occur during other seasons—any time plants release pollen. A notorious autumn offender is ragweed, from the genus Ambrosia. This plant is responsible for causing allergy symptoms in late summer and early fall in almost 50 million people in the U.S.
Details About Ragweed
Ragweed can grow anywhere and is found throughout America, but it is most common in the Midwest and Eastern states. Ragweed season begins in August when it first blooms and releases pollen; the season may last until November, with peak counts usually occurring in September.
This pollen is dispersed by the wind, and because the grains are very fine and light, it can remain airborne for days and may travel hundreds of miles. Pollen counts are highest on warm, windy days and between 10 and 3 p.m. They tend to be lowest on cool, wet days.
Allergy Symptoms
Hay fever affects 10 to 30% of adults worldwide; symptoms include stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and throat, and hives. Some individuals experience coughing, wheezing and breathing difficulties. People with ragweed allergies may suffer from a related food allergy known as oral allergy syndrome, which causes itching, burning and swelling in the mouth and throat when certain foods are ingested. Bananas, cantaloupe, melons, beans, potatoes, celery, cucumbers and other foods often trigger these symptoms.
Treatment Options
Treatment for ragweed allergies includes over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants and nasal steroid sprays. Those whose symptoms do not respond to medications may want to undergo allergy testing to confirm they are allergic to ragweed; once this is verified, immunotherapy (subcutaneous allergy shots or sublingual allergy drops) may be an option for long-term control.
The allergist will prepare and administer an extract by injection, usually in your upper arm. The initial dosage is small but is gradually increased over time until you reach a “maintenance” level. As your body receives continued doses of allergen, you build up a tolerance that eventually leads to a reduction in symptoms.
Allergies can be more than an inconvenience; if they’re not properly managed, they can seriously disrupt your daily activities and well-being. If you have allergies and need guidance on how to handle them, reach out to Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery to book a consultation.
“Have always found the staff and doctors here to be helpful. This was my first visit with Dr. Prze after Dr. Allan retired, and he was very friendly, enthusiastic, and thorough. It was obvious he had read my chart carefully before my checkup.”