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Ragweed Allergy Relief

Having a ragweed allergy means that your body reacts hypersensitively upon inhaling the pollens from these weeds. Ragweed thrives in warm climates, so the allergy tends to be seasonal, generally from July through October. Symptoms of a ragweed allergy are itchy throat, nasal congestion, watery eyes and sneezing. In more severe reactions, asthma and sinus problems can occur. Depending on the severity of your reactions, there are many ways to get relief from this allergy.

  1. Medications

    • Antihistamines are among the most effective medications for ragweed sufferers because of their ability to block histamine. Histamine is a chemical in the body that is released during an allergic response. Nasal spray, eye drops and an oral pill are the most common available. Decongestants are another powerful type of medication that can be used to combat ragweed allergies. Although nasal sprays are the most typically used form of this medication, it is available to be taken orally as well. Depending on your symptoms and their severity, there are many over-the-counter and prescription forms of both of these medications. Whichever you are using, be sure to take them at the first sign of any symptoms, as they can take up to 30 minutes to show any relief.

    Prevention

    • One of the best ways to get relief from your ragweed allergy is through prevention. To keep the pollen out of your home use high efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters on items such as vacuums, air conditioners and air purifiers. When ragweed season is in your part of town, check your local pollen forecasts online. If they are high, try to plan for indoor activities as much as possible, and drive with your windows up. Another good idea is to arrange travel plans during ragweed season to areas where it does not flourish.

    Immunotherapy

    • For those who have severe reactions, immunotherapy can be a good alternative. Immunotherapy consists of a series of shots that are specifically created to combat your specific allergens. Each shot contains a small amount of the specific allergen and over time gets increased as the body builds immunity. This desensitization process can be very effective, but it is a commitment. Weekly visits to the allergist can take a few years before any results are seen. The end result can be well worth the time for people with severe cases, as there is the possibility that the allergy can disappear.

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