Sunday, July 14, 2013

Ways to Avoid Ragweed Allergy Symptoms


Anyone who has a sensitivity towards pollen is suffering from allergic reaction. Soon after inhaling, you may notice the development of ragweed allergy symptoms. There are around seventeen varieties of the ragweed plant.

Ragweed pollens start to circulate in the air from these plants. This circulation continues until ragweed plants are killed by frost somewhere during the later phase of fall. Ragweed plants are commonly found in almost all parts of the US.

In people who are sensitive to ragweed, their immune system overreacts as they come in contact with the pollens.

As this happens, it causes asthma and allergy symptoms. Some of these symptoms caused by ragweed allergy are sneezing, wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty in breathing, stuffy or runny nose, itchy eyes, itchy throat, itchy nose and coughing. Also, people who have severe allergies may have symptoms like chronic sinusitis, trouble sleeping, asthma attacks and headaches.

You may take a few precautions to avoid these symptoms if you are allergic to ragweed pollens. It is better to avoid foods that may cause ragweed allergies such as bananas, honey and chamomile tea. They can contain pollen. Cucumbers, zucchini and sunflower seeds should also be avoided. Your symptoms may become intensified if you have these foods in ragweed season. The ragweed season usually begins in August and extends up to October.

Also, it is better not to stay in areas where ragweed plants are in the vicinity. These weeds are normally found in rural areas as pollens may get carried away easily in the vacant fields. Having a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in the air conditioner will also help to reduce pollens in the air.

Antihistamines and nasal corticosteroidsare are the best medications that you can take to reduce the intensity of these symptoms. However, medicines do not work for everyone. So, if your symptoms seem to be uncontrollable, you may approach your doctor and seek advice if you can take immunotherapy or allergy shots.

Symptoms of ragweed allergy can cause a person to feel very weak and fatigued. Exercising regularly and eating healthy helps a great deal to make sure that your immune system works efficiently and is able to resist such allergies.

As the ragweed season begins around August, doctors also suggest that people with sensitivity towards pollens should start taking precautions, medication and other treatments at least a few weeks before the season begins.

Hence, people who experience ragweed allergy symptoms can avoid the discomfort caused by these symptoms only if they are careful and strictly take note of their doctor's advice.

No comments:

Post a Comment