Ragweed Allergy, Symptoms and Practical Tips

Ragweed is an invasive plant or weed that flourishes right across America. Every year during mid to late summer ragweed produce enormous amounts of pollen which travels on the wind to find new soils to grow in. Over a season each ragweed produces a billion pollen grains which is why it is so widely distributed.

With ragweed producing such large amounts of pollen and being so widely spread across the U.S. it is not surprising that between 10 and 20% of Americans report ragweed allergy symptoms.

You may not believe it but ragweed is really not out to get you, it is going about the daily business of survival and doing a rather good job of it, don't you think? In fact so well does ragweed pollen travel that it has been found 400 miles out to sea and so well does it rise in the air that it has been detected 2 miles up.

In urban areas the pollen count from ragweed is generally highest around noon and for 2 or 3 hours after, although local conditions and weather can alter this. Ragweed sensitive people need to keep up with the pollen count and take whatever preventive measures they can.

Ragweed Allergy Symptoms

Ragweed allergy shows up like other pollen allergies. Typical symptoms include stuffy nose, irritated and red eyes and scratchy throat. Most folks reach for anti-histamines from the pharmacy and others reach for natural antihistamines like vitamin C. In addition many asthma suffers find that ragweed triggers their asthma.

People with ragweed allergies may find that they are also sensitive to some related foods. Cantaloupe, bananas, sunflower seeds may also trigger symptoms in ragweed sensitive individuals. Honey is a special case since some folk find it helpful with allergy symptoms but pollen has been found in some types of honey, so it may be best to avoid it unless you have had the all clear from an allergy test.

Practical Tips to Deal With Ragweed Allergy

Apart from treatment options you can discuss with your Doctor there are some practical measures we can take.

Air filtration may be helpful in reducing the amount of pollen circulating in the spaces where you work or live. A high efficiency or H.E.P.A. filter may be especially useful. Using a vacuum cleaner with such a filter is also effective at reducing the circulating pollen in your home.

Habits like changing clothes and shoes when you come home may reduce the amount of pollen carried into the home and finally, showering daily to wash pollen out of your hair is a simple zero cost measure to reduce exposure.