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The Signs of Ragweed

Ragweed is the bane of millions of people's existence during the late summer and early fall. According to Ragweed Allergy.com, ragweed is the most allergenic of all the pollens and is also very widespread across the Northern Hemisphere and South America. Ragweed allergies are also known as "hay fever." In some parts of the United States, ragweed is called bitterweeds or bloodweeds.

  1. What Is Ragweed?

    • Ragweed is pollen released by the ragweed plant, a flowering plant that is part of the sunflower family. Botanists have identified 41 varieties of ragweed. It grows in most climates and settings and is found in rural and urban areas. The pollen is spread mostly by the wind and each ragweed plant can produce millions of pollen spores each year. Ragweed pollen counts are at their highest starting in August and running through October.

    Ragweed Allergies

    • The human body's immune system has the job of protecting the body from bacteria or viruses. The immune system works in a variety of ways to keep the person from getting sick. Allergy sufferers have a somewhat weakened immune system, according to Ragweed Allergy.com, and when confronted with ragweed pollen, the immune system goes on the attack. Fighting the ragweed pollen results in runny noses and other symptoms of ragweed allergies while the immune system tries to expel the pollen from the body. Many people who suffer from ragweed allergies also have reactions to cantaloupe, bananas, honey or sunflower seeds.

    Ragweed Allergy Symptoms

    • The symptoms of ragweed allergies are similar to the symptoms of other pollen allergies. The most common symptoms include runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, swelling or irritation around the eyes and a sore throat. Other, less common, problems that ragweed can produce include headaches and ear aches, loss of taste and smell, inability to concentrate, sleep problems and snoring. If a ragweed sufferer also has asthma, the allergy symptoms are often magnified.

    Ragweed Allergy Treatments

    • Ragweed allergies can be treated using either allergy shots or allergy medicine. The severity of ragweed allergy symptoms will determine the treatment used. Over-the-counter allergy pills are available or a doctor can prescribe medication, nasal sprays or shots. One of the easiest ways to treat ragweed allergies is to avoid ragweed whenever possible. Stay inside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the pollen count is normally highest. Keep car and home windows closed and do not hang clothes outside to dry during high ragweed times. Frequent hand-washing can remove pollen residue. Remove shoes upon entering the house, to avoid tracking ragweed pollen into the home.

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