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Topic of the Month: August 2006: Ragweed, allergies and hay fever
In this month's topic you will learn:
- What ragweed is
- Where ragweed grows
- Symptoms of hay fever
- What oral allergy syndrome is
- How to avoid exposure
- When to see an allergist/immunologist
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Do you notice that you sneeze, have a runny nose, and swollen, itchy, watery eyes during this time of year? August marks the unofficial start of ragweed season. This means that the country's 36 million seasonal allergy sufferers need to take precautions to avoid exposure to ragweed.
Ragweed is a stubborn plant that can grow anywhere. It produces one billion pollen grains per average season. These grains can travel up to 400 miles due to their lightweight texture. It commonly grows in fields, along roadsides and in vacant lots. It is most prevalent throughout the Northeast, South and Midwest from mid-August to October. Ragweed pollen is a significant cause of fall allergy symptoms.
 Symptoms of "hay fever," or allergic rhinitis
When exposed to ragweed, allergy sufferers often experience sneezing, runny noses and swollen, itchy, watery eyes. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis, commonly called "hay fever," can have a major impact on a person's quality of life including their ability to function well at school or work.
Individuals with ragweed allergies might experience symptoms of OAS when consuming foods such as:
- Banana
- Cucumber
- Melon
- Zucchini
- Sunflower seeds
- Chamomile tea
- Echinacea
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In addition to sneezing and itchy, watery eyes, ragweed allergies can also cause symptoms of oral allergy syndrome (OAS). Oral allergy syndrome causes people with seasonal allergies to experience a worsening of allergy symptoms after consuming fresh fruits or vegetables. Itchiness of the mouth and throat with mild angiodema (swelling) are common symptoms of OAS.
Avoidance
To reduce exposure to ragweed, use the following tips from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI):
- Keep windows closed at all times during ragweed season to prevent pollen from drifting into your home. Use air conditioning, which cleans, cools and dries the air.
- Minimize outdoor activity when pollen counts are high. Peak pollen times are usually between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Keep your car windows closed when traveling.
- Take a shower after spending time outside, pollen can collect on your hair and skin.
- Don't hang sheets or clothing outside to dry. Pollens can collect on them as well.
- Minimize exposure to other known allergens during ragweed season, since symptoms are the result of a cumulative effect of multiple allergens and non-allergic triggers.
- Get up-to-date pollen information for your area from the National Allergy Bureau (NAB).
 Treatment
It is important to talk to an allergist/immunologist to know how to prevent and control exposure to ragweed. To help alleviate symptoms, your physician may prescribe medications such as:
By learning about the causes and symptoms of various forms of rhinitis, you will be better able to identify your symptoms and triggers. Your allergist/immunologist can assist by making an accurate diagnosis and developing an effective treatment plan for you.
When to see an allergy/asthma specialist
The AAAAI's How the Allergist/Immunologist Can Help: Consultation and Referral Guidelines Citing the Evidence provide information to assist patients and health care professionals in determining when a patient may need consultation or ongoing specialty care by the allergist/immunologist. Patients should see an allergist/immunologist if they:
- Have prolonged or severe symptoms of rhinitis.
- Have nasal polyps.
- Have co-existing conditions such as asthma or recurrent sinusitis.
- Have symptoms interfering with quality of life and/or ability to function.
- Have experienced allergic symptoms (urticaria, angiodema, itch, wheezing, gastrointestinal responses) in association with food exposure.
- Have limited their diet based upon perceived adverse reactions to foods or additives.
- Experience itchy mouth from raw fruits or vegetables.
- Have found medications to be ineffective or have had adverse reactions to medications.
- Are a child with allergic rhinitis, because immunotherapy may potentially prevent the development of asthma.
Additional Resources
This topic was reviewed on 8/1/2006 by Stuart Friedman, MD, FAAAAI, Patients & Consumers Web Editor
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