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Ragweed Allergies Facts

75 percent of Americans who have plant allergies are allergic to ragweed plants. An allergy to ragweed plants is also known as hay fever.

  1. Background

    • Allergies are immune system reactions to substances that aren't harmful and don't bother most people. Allergies are not usually dangerous, although severe reactions are possible.

    Ragweed Plants

    • Ragweed plants are weeds that are most common in rural areas of the eastern and midwestern parts of the United States. Ragweed pollen is released in late summer and continues until frost.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of a ragweed allergy may include a runny nose, sneezing, eye irritation, and puffy eyes.

    Treatment

    • Allergies cannot be cured, but symptoms can be managed by staying indoors during high pollen counts and taking antihistamines.

    Considerations

    • According to a study in "Psychosomatic Medicine," ragweed allergies are linked to depression.

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