We can’t believe it! It is the end of August already. Even though we are still in the middle of a pandemic, we can’t help but think of cooler fall weather, brisk mornings, falling leaves and of the kids going back to school (even if online!). Although this fall will definitely look different than autumns past, unfortunately, allergies won’t change.
While many people regard springtime as prime pollen season, there is a pollen that wreaks havoc in the late summer and fall…Ragweed!
Ragweed pollen usually reaches its peak levels in mid-September, but usually hangs around from late August to November in this area of the country. If in the fall, you experience symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, headaches, irritated eyes, or an itchy throat, you are not alone! This type of pollen causes seasonal allergic rhinitis (more commonly known as hay fever) in as many as 25 million people in the U.S and there are 17 species of ragweed.
If you know you are allergic to ragweed, or have had problems in autumns past, start your allergy medication now! Track ragweed season by checking sites like AAAAI’s National Allergy Bureau to follow pollen readings regularly. This will help you take steps to reduce your exposure to ragweed pollen. Ragweed pollen peaks in the middle of the day so try and spend time outside before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m.
There are other plants that are related to ragweed which may cause symptoms as well. Avoid planting sunflowers, sage, burweed marsh elder, rabbit brush, mugworts, groundsel bush and eupatorium near your home.
Don’t let ragweed follow you around. If you spend a lot of time outside, change your clothes and wash them as soon as you come inside. Shower and shampoo your hair every night to keep pollen out of your bed. Also have everyone who enters your home leave their shoes at the door.
If you have a condition called Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) your mouth may itch or tingle when you eat certain foods. This is because the pollen is similar to the proteins in some foods, so your body can’t tell the difference. Food such as cantaloupes, bananas, watermelon and sunflower seeds may cause symptoms if you also have a ragweed allergy.
If your allergy symptoms are not controlled with an over-the-counter allergy medicine, talk to us about other treatment options. It is especially important for you to seek treatment if you have allergic asthma and ragweed pollen is a trigger for you.
Happy (Almost) Fall!
Sources: ACAAI and AAFA