Ragweed: An Allergy Suffer’s Nightmare

Spring may come to mind as the time when allergies are at their worst. Trees are blooming for the first time of the year, sending pollen all through the air. However, spring isn’t the only time that yellow stuff coats cars and makes people feel bad. Pollen is irritating for many allergy suffers, and one of the most common aggressors– causing as much as fifty percent of allergies and cases of illnesses during the fall months –is ragweed.

So what exactly is ragweed? Ragweed is a flowering plant that is distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of North America. They are classified as annual herbs and shrubs, this plant can release up to a billion particles of pollen per plant every blooming season. Ragweed can cause symptoms typical of many other allergens:

• sneezing
• runny nose
• nasal congestion
• headaches
• red, irritated eyes
• itchy throat

Pollen from this plant may also aggravate asthma symptoms, increased coughing and wheezing.

Treatment for ragweed allergies can be simple and done over the counter with antihistamines and daily allergy medications. Taking your allergy medications two weeks prior to when a sufferer thinks their allergies may pique is recommended to help combat symptoms. Allergy shots can also help build resistance.

However, should a sufferer not find relief with over-the-counter remedies, it’s recommended that they consult an allergist about their allergies to find the right solution and gain the relief they desire. Allergists can perform tests to determine what irritates or sets off a person’s allergic reactions and find the best medication for them.

Your allergists at Allergy and Asthma Associates of Allen are available to provide patients with care for allergies, asthma, skin disorders, and other allergic disorders. Following a diagnosis, patients will receive personalized treatment plans to achieve the best care possible. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and get the relief you need!