It’s Ragweed Season!

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:

1. 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)
2. Keep your house and car windows closed.  Run your air conditioner or air purifier
3. Change your clothes after being outside
4. Shower at the end of the day

If your symptoms are affecting your daily life, try:

1. Nasal sprays
2. Daily anti-histamines
3. Decongestants
4. Immunotherapy (allergy shots)
5. 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/