5 Tips to Prevent Allergic Reactions to Ragweed

Ragweed pollen is one of the most common weed allergies, the pollen easily spreads far and wide, triggering nasal allergies and allergic asthma in its path. If you have a ragweed pollen allergy, it helps to know what you are up against. Here are some things you may not know about ragweed.

Ragweed Season Peaks in Mid-September

Ragweed starts pollinating as early as July in some states, especially those in the South. But for most of the country, it appears in August and peaks in mid-September. Ragweed pollen can stick around as late as November, depending on where you live.

Ragweed Grows in 49 States 

Track ragweed pollen counts where you live, ragweed pollen peaks in the middle of the day. Within the 49 states where ragweed grows, there are 17 different types of ragweed. Ragweed pollen peaks in the middle of the day. Spend time outside before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m.

Your Immune System May Mistake Other Plants and Food for Ragweed

A ragweed allergy may cause your mouth to itch when you eat foods like cantaloupes, bananas and sunflower seeds. This is called oral allergy syndrome (OAS). 

Ragweed Pollen Can Travel Hundreds of Miles

Ragweed pollen is very light, making it easy for the wind to carry it for miles. In fact, it has been found in the ocean as far as 400 miles away from the coast and two miles up in the air.

Don’t let ragweed follow you around. If you spend a lot of time outside, change your clothes and wash them as soon as you come inside. Shower and shampoo your hair every night to keep pollen out of your bed. Also, have everyone who enters your home leave their shoes at the door.

Immunotherapy May Provide Relief

If you are allergic to ragweed pollen there are options for treatment. Many people benefit from immunotherapy. This can come in the form of allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

Don’t let ragweed follow you around. If you spend a lot of time outside, change your clothes and wash them as soon as you come inside. Shower and shampoo your hair every night to keep pollen out of your bed. Also, have everyone who enters your home leave their shoes at the door. Don’t let allergies ruin your day, call today and make an appointment to receive allergy tests and treatments!