It’s ragweed season! Symptoms of a ragweed allergy include: sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy skin, eye irritation, sleep disruption, and symptoms of asthma.
About 10%-30% of Americans suffer from allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. A single ragweed plant can send billions of grains of pollen into the air over the course of a single ragweed season. Ragweed season usually starts at the end of the summer and ends at the first sign of frost (usually mid-August through October).
If you are experiencing ragweed allergy symptoms, here are a few tips to help minimize your ragweed exposure:
- Stay inside when the pollen count is high (check pollen counts in your area here: http://www.aaaai.org/global/nab-pollen-counts/south-atlantic-region)
- Keep your house and car windows closed. Run your air conditioner or air purifier
- Change your clothes after being outside
- Shower at the end of the day
If your symptoms are affecting your daily life, try:
- Nasal sprays
- Daily anti-histamines
- Decongestants
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots)
- Make an appointment with your allergist if you need a proper diagnosis or need prescription-strength medications
Read here for more information about Ragweed allergies:
http://asthmaandallergies.org/asthma-allergies/ragweed-allergy/