What Is Ragweed Pollen?

Ragweed pollen comes from a plant that grows throughout North America. The pollen, which is highly allergenic, is one of the leading causes of hay fever in the United States.

Definition

• Ragweed pollen comes from the ragweed plant. The plant, which generally flourishes during the summer months, has a high pollen content and one plant can produce more than 1 billion pollen grains.

Geography

• The plant that produces the pollen is generally found in warmer areas of the Northern hemisphere as well as South America. The released pollen can travel great distances and affects rural and urban areas.

Allergies

• The pollen of the ragweed plant has been known to cause extreme allergic reactions in people. However, because of the large number of pollen grains released by the plant, and its ability to travel long distances, pollen allergies are widespread and the pollen content cannot be controlled, especially during warmer seasons.

Release

• Although pollen is released generally during the summer months, a number of factors influence pollen. Pollen is far more widespread during warm, windy conditions and is curbed during periods of rain and high humidity. Also, pollen content tends to be high in dry, sunny, grassy areas such as fields or meadows.

Treatment

• During periods of high pollen, those with ragweed pollen allergies are advised to stay indoors in air conditioning, rather than keep their windows open. In addition, an allergist may prescribe medication to help treat the symptoms of ragweed pollen allergies.