Ragweed Allergy

For the natives of the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and South America, ragweed allergy seems to be a common medical condition. As mentioned, ragweed is the name which is attributed to a genus of several flowering plants. And these plants belong to the sunflower family. According to studies, each of these plants is capable of producing about a billion grams of pollen over a season. These pollens are known to be the most potent allergen of all and for the same reason, these plants are known to be prime cause of hay fever. Rgweed allergy is associated with global warming. This weed has produces more pollen as carbon dioxide level increases. And as these plants are wind-pollinated, the pollens travel many miles during dry windy days. So, it is most likely that there will be more incidents of people getting affected by allergies and eventually hay fever.

Ragweed Allergy and its Symptoms

Ragweed allergy is the response of the immune system against invasion of substances called allergens, which in this case, are the widely produced pollens of the weed. The allergy manifests itself in the form of symptoms of hay fever. People who are affected by this allergy have highly-sensitive immune systems. They might also be affected upon consuming products such as cantaloupe and banana. Ragweed allergy seems to be more widespread between the months of August and October.

Common symptoms of the allergy may include irritation, stuffy nose, runny nose and frequent sneezing. Also, puffy eyes, itchy and inflamed nose and throat inflammation may also occur. Severe symptoms such as headaches, sleep disturbance, asthma attacks and even chronic sinusitis may also occur.

Remedies

The first line of treatment is administering antihistamines. These medications are capable of blocking the release of histamines (chemicals release as a response to allergic reaction) in the body. These drugs can be availed in the form of nasal sprays, oral pills and eye drops. Alternatively, many people find allergy relief using decongestants, to counter the symptoms of this kind of allergy. These are also available in the form of nasal sprays and oral pills. Symptoms and severity of the allergy determines the type of such medications to be used for an individual.

For those who do not respond to medicines, immunotherapy might come in handy. Here, the patient is given shots of a specific allergen which, overtime, increases as the body builds immunity. This process is effective, but a slow one. It may take several months or years, before any results come into picture. Patients could be advised to avoid bananas, honey, chamomile tea, sunflower seeds, and cucumbers and zucchini.

Incidences of ragweed allergy can be prevented by making use of devices such as HEPA filters, air conditioners and air purifiers. It is also advisable that while traveling abroad, one must be aware of the ragweed season of the destination (if any). It is also beneficial to keep track of the pollen count of the area you live in.