Ragweed is a plant that grows all over the United States, and it’s especially common here in South Carolina and across the Eastern and Midwestern states. The stems of the plant look hairy, the leaves are somewhat fern-like with grooves or “teeth,” and the flowers are dull green or yellow and spiky. Many branches grow from each stem of a plant. It looks similar to and blooms at around the same time as goldenrod, so people often confuse the two.
Ragweed blooms and disperses its pollen in late summer and early fall, significantly extending allergy season. The pollen is made up of tiny particles, and it is spread through the air. Because the pollen is so small, it is easily carried by the wind. A single ragweed plant can produce a billion grains of pollen, and when you consider how prolifically it grows, that’s a lot of pollen!
How Do I Know if I’m Allergic to Ragweed?
Over 25% of American adults and almost 20% of children suffer from seasonal allergies, making seasonal allergies the country’s sixth leading cause of chronic illness. That is to say, if you’re experiencing allergy symptoms, you’re not alone.
If you have a ragweed allergy, the part of the plant your body is reacting to is its pollen. When the pollen enters your body (usually breathed in through your nose or mouth), your immune system kicks into gear to fight off what it perceives as a threat. It starts producing a chemical called histamine, which triggers all the common allergy symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose.
If you’re displaying allergy symptoms in August or September, then it’s probably because of ragweed, since that is when it flowers.
How Can I Manage My Allergies?
Avoiding ragweed pollen can be difficult since the pollen is so prevalent in the air. You can always check the ragweed pollen count on the Weather Channel’s site to know if it’s more prudent to stay inside.
If staying inside isn’t an option, or if you still have symptoms even while inside, over-the-counter antihistamines, like Zyrtec or Claritin, decrease the effects of histamines and therefore treat symptoms or preempt them entirely. Some brands can be taken at regular intervals throughout the day to mediate symptoms, while others can be taken daily for long-lasting effects.
If you’re still suffering from allergies, call Charleston ENT & Allergy today to discuss customized allergy treatments and long-lasting relief.