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.
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