Ragweed
Allergy Affects Up To 20 Percent of Americans
During
the months of August, September, and October, a single species
of plant brings misery to millions of Americans. It’s
the ragweed, a shrub that’s average-looking on the
outside, yet just one of them can release a billion particles
of pollen into the air. This is terrible news for individuals
with a ragweed allergy. Amazingly, the inconspicuous ragweed,
which often lives for just one season, is responsible for
stuffy noses, itchy eyes, insomnia, and sometimes asthma
attacks in at least 36 million ragweed allergy patients
across the United States.
The
ragweed and its cousin, the giant ragweed, bloom in several
parts of North America. Ragweed allergy is most common in
eastern and Midwestern states, particularly in rural areas
and on vacant lots. During the late summer and early fall,
ragweed produces tiny yellow blooms similar to goldenrod.
Ragweed allergy symptoms come from ragweed’s lightweight
pollen which is easily carried many miles on air currents.
The symptoms of ragweed allergy will often continue until
ragweed plants are killed by a frost.
Individuals
with a ragweed allergy have an immune system that overreacts
when exposed to ragweed pollen. The symptoms of ragweed
allergy are nasal congestion; runny nose; sneezing; itchy
eyes, nose and throat; coughing; and difficulty breathing.
Severe ragweed allergy symptoms include headaches, insomnia,
and asthma attacks.
Statistics
show that 75 percent of people who are allergic to plant
pollen are also allergic to ragweed. If you suffer from
a ragweed allergy, it is recommended that you stay indoors
when ragweed pollen counts are high. Other ways to avoid
ragweed pollen are to keep your windows closed and your
air conditioner running both at home and in your car during
ragweed allergy season.
|