Where is ragweed most common

Ragweed plants are easily overgrown by various turf grasses and other perennial plants that come up from established stems every year. Ragweed also grows where the soil is disturbed by streams of water, cultivation, or chemicals such as winter salting of roads. These weed plants are often found along roadsides and riverbanks, in vacant lots, and fields. Ragweed seeds can survive many decades in the soil, growing again when conditions become favorable.

An allergy is the overreaction of the immune system to an allergen usually a harmless substance. A person can come into contact with allergens by breathing; eating or drinking; touching; or having them injected into his or her body. People can develop an allergy to the pollen of ragweed plants.

Approximately percent of Americans suffer from ragweed allergy. Family members with nasal allergy, asthma, or eczema are often reported. People with an allergy to ragweed also may have similar symptoms when they eat cantaloupe and bananas— usually mouth itching. Sunflower seeds, chamomile tea, or honey containing pollen from Compositae plant family members occasionally can cause severe reactions, including shock.

The allergic response to all plant pollens producing seasonal symptoms is commonly known as hay fever. To identify an allergy to ragweed or one of its relatives, your physician will ask you about your medical history, especially the timing of your symptoms, and examine you. The main approach to confirm a suspected allergy is skin sensitivity testing. With skin testing, your skin is gently scratched or pricked with a refined extract of ragweed pollen. In sensitive people, the site will turn red, swollen, and itchy.

Sometimes blood tests are used to see if an antibody to ragweed is present. Blood tests may be necessary if skin testing is impractical, but they take longer for processing, are more expensive to perform, and more subject to error. There is no cure for ragweed allergy but many ways to reduce discomfort.

The best way to manage an allergy to ragweed is to avoid or minimize your contact with ragweed pollen during ragweed season. Keep in mind. Ragweed pollen can be detected as early as mid to late July in certain areas.

Most ragweed blooms in mid-August, with pollen levels peaking around early September. Ragweed season ends with the first hard frost, but levels are often low for weeks before.

The news media often report the pollen levels, especially when high. Check your local newspaper or call the weather information telephone number for your area. Where to find the pollen count. Various filter units and devices producing ultraviolet UV light and ions have unproven value.

Keep windows closed so the pollen cannot easily enter your house or car. Use dryers instead of outside line drying for laundry. Take a shower after being outside to remove pollen that collects on your hair and skin.

Airborne pollen tends to peak between the hours of a. Try to take care of outdoor activity when the pollen levels are not at their peak. Nasal corticosteroids — These nasal sprays treat nasal inflammation, reduce symptoms and congestion, and block allergic reactions. They are the most effective for nasal symptoms and have few side effects. Antihistamines — They work by reducing your runny nose, sneezing, and itching in your eyes and sinuses. Choose non-drowsy options. Decongestants — They shrink swollen nasal passages to help your feel less stuffy.

Nose drops and sprays should be taken short term. Leukotriene inhibitors — This medicine blocks chemicals your body releases when you have an allergic reaction. Cromolyn sodium — This nasal spray blocks chemicals that cause allergy symptoms, like histamine and leukotrienes. The following can affect your indoor air quality: Allergens, like dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, and mold Scents, chemicals, and volatile organic compounds VOCs Outdoor air pollution Use our interactive Healthy Home Checklist to find where allergens, triggers, and irritants can hide.

Updated August It is important to stay up to date on news about asthma and allergies. By joining our community and following our blog, you will receive news about research and treatments. Our community also provides an opportunity to connect with other patients who manage these conditions for support.

Images 7. Melissa G Member. Copy Link to Comment Report Comment. Add Reaction. They are beautiful Marie! The squirrels have a field day in our front flower bed. Marie E Natzke Member. K8sMom Member.

Images 1. Could you talk to your doc about whether sunflowers would be a problem for you in particular? J JanetTignor Member. Great information. Oh nooooo i love sunflowers when i planted them last year and again this year in my yard!!! Post Manage Blog Post. Report Blog Post. Membership Required We're sorry. You must be signed in to continue. Sign In or Register. Are you sure you want to remove from your Block List?

When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following. Advanced Search. It provides the same benefits as allergy shots. Some foods and herbs contain proteins similar to those in ragweed pollen, so they may trigger an allergic reaction.

These include:. Symptoms related to food allergies will typically be worse during ragweed season. You should contact an allergist if you notice your mouth tingling or itching after eating any of the foods listed above.

Pollen is one of the most common causes of allergies in the United States. Pollen is a very fine powder produced by trees, flowers, grasses, and weeds….

Experts say the earlier allergy seasons increase the time people have allergic reactions. They say the best way to lessen symptoms is to avoid pollen.

Hundreds of species of plants release their pollen into the air every year, causing allergic reactions in many people. Learn how to avoid these…. Grass allergies are quite common. You may experience a runny nose, itchy throat, puffy eyes, and….

Neti pots have been used for many years as a remedy for allergies and other conditions. Learn what the benefits are and how to practice nasal…. Researchers say allergic reactions to COVID vaccines are rare, and any such incidents can easily be treated at the vaccination site. Learn more here. Mold is a type of fungus that grows in moist areas and can trigger allergic reactions. Mold allergies are generally not life threatening. Looking for the best over-the-counter nasal spray to help with congestion or allergies?

We've crafted a list of the top 6 nasal sprays that you can…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Ragweed Allergies. What Are the Symptoms of a Ragweed Allergy? What Causes a Ragweed Allergy?

How Is a Ragweed Allergy Diagnosed? How Is a Ragweed Allergy Treated? Read this next. Pollen Allergies.