Symptoms and Preventions of Ragweed Allergy

Have you heard of ragweed allergy? Probably not, well, that is if you are living outside the United States, then it would be the first time you would have heard of it. It mostly affects residents in the U.S when in contact with a plant called Ragweed. Ragweed plants are weeds that grow throughout the United States. They are most common in the Eastern states and the Midwest. Usually, these plants are found along roadsides and riverbanks, in vacant lots and fields.

As August draws near, many American citizens develop seasonal allergy symptoms. Actually, it is the pollen in the plant that causes allergy to them. When a person is sensitive to pollen from the weeds, he is most likely will develop an allergic reaction when he inhales the pollen. And when this happens, ragweed allergy symptoms will develop quickly. These symptoms include runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, and other allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Sadly, almost no place in the United States is immune because ragweed plant can grow anywhere. As a result, almost everyone in the United States is exposed to Ragweed and the possibility of a ragweed allergy. Even if a person does not live in an area that is covered by weeds, he might also develop allergic symptoms of ragweed allergy from its pollen, since pollen is carried by the wind.

Some people are prone to severe symptoms such as asthma, chronic sinusitis, swollen eyes, and headaches. The best way to treat these is to go see a doctor and get a prescribed medicine for it. There is no cure for this kind of allergy and what you can do is to prevent from getting one. You might want to get shots before allergy season begins, which usually starts in August. For people who have severe problems should see a specialist for such allergy to get the best advice and treatment for it. You might think that changing of location is troublesome and not practical, but it could be your last resort to get relief from allergies. When changing location, you should consider tracking the pollen count for the area you have chosen to live. The news often reports the pollen count, especially when the pollen is high. You can also check out the National Allergy Bureau for pollen counts.

Other ways of preventing allergy is to stay indoor when pollen count is high. Closing your windows and using your air condition will help decrease your exposure to ragweed pollen. Also, consider having a high efficiency particulate air filter attachment when the pollen is high. This will help remove some pollen in the indoor air. And if you have pets, like dogs for instance, consider bathing them regularly, since dogs often times go out and can carry pollen into your home.
And also it is true that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. So eating fruits and vegetables, with regular exercise can boost your immune system and prevent illnesses in the future, even ragweed allergy. So remember that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Always live a healthy lifestyle.