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.