Ragweed allergy symptoms are among the most painful of all seasonal allergies. They are the last blow that hay fever inflicts on seasonal allergy sufferers just before the winter months bring relief from pollen allergies.
For those who also suffer from spring or summer allergies, ragweed allergy season will be much more difficult for you than others. Ragweed pollen is much more potent than tree pollen in spring and grass pollen in summer. Its light weight allows it to be carried hundreds of miles, while its high reactivity means that just a few grains per cubic meter of air can cause a terrible reaction.
However, if you are looking to treat your ragweed allergy symptoms, it is first recommended that you fully understand them. There are many similarities between ragweed allergies and a common cold. Knowing the difference is the key to determining the proper treatment techniques.
common symptoms
- itchy eyes
- Stuffy or runny nose
- sneezing
- Headache
- skin itch
more severe symptoms
Ragweed allergies can cause many more symptoms than just itchy eyes and a runny nose. If ignored for too long, they can lead to a number of more serious symptoms, including:
- labored breathing
- wheezing
- Skin rash
- Cramps or abdominal pain
- Vomiting or General Nausea
- Confusion
Many of these more serious symptoms can indicate that you are at risk of anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction that causes difficulty breathing due to restricted airways. You should see a doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms, or consider rushing to the emergency room if you have difficulty breathing.
Diagnosis of ragweed allergies
Many people often mistake ragweed allergies for other health issues like colds or even chemical sensitivities. Colds are known to produce the same symptoms, such as nasal congestion, sneezing, or headaches. Chemical sensitivities can lead to rashes, itchy eyes, or irritation that is mistaken for allergies.
If you suspect you may have a ragweed allergy, it would be a good idea to visit an allergist. There are a number of different tests that allergists can perform to identify which allergens are causing your problems. If you’re not particularly interested in seeing an allergist, you can identify the cause of your symptoms in other ways. This includes understanding the symptoms and looking at common resources like local pollen counts. By understanding when your symptoms occur and what allergens are present in the air at that time, you can identify the probable cause.
Treatment
Treatment for a ragweed allergy is the same as treatment for any other seasonal allergy. This is because they are all caused by pollen. Avoidance is the recommended method of treating pollen allergies. Staying indoors during peak pollination times, using avoidance techniques, or even using an air purifier are all great ways to reduce your exposure to ragweed pollen. Visit our hay fever treatment site for several possible ways to avoid allergens, or check out our hay fever site for more information.