Allergic to ragweed? Here’s how to cope with hay fever
by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), with the sneezing and watery eyes symptoms it causes, affects 36 million Americans. I think I have seen most of them in my office at one time or another. Many are allergic to ragweed pollen, whose season begins in mid-August and ends after the first frost or two.
Everyone who suffers needs to do and know basic things.
First, and foremost, you must try to avoid the pollen.
Secondly, if you know you are going to have major symptoms, start on allergy medications, whether over-the-counter or prescription, before they develop.
The AAAAI says it better:
BE SNEEZE AND WHEEZE FREE. A single ragweed plant can produce up to 1 billion pollen grains. Since the pollen is light and becomes airborne with the gentlest of breezes, each grain can travel more than 100 miles from its source. The ACAAI offers the following tips to reduce exposure to pollen and control symptoms of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma triggered by ragweed allergy.
FRIEND, OR FOE? If you have seasonal itchy, runny nose, sneezing, wheezing or watery eyes, allergy testing can determine whether or not you have ragweed allergy. An allergist can perform allergy tests, interpret them correctly and recommend avoidance tactics and treatment – such as medications and allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) – that will help you enjoy life.
WHEN UNDER THE WEATHER. When dry weather conditions of late summer and autumn take hold, ragweed’s profuse pollen is released into the air, accounting for 75 percent to 90 percent of all pollen found from August through October in some regions. Peak ragweed pollen counts tend to occur around Labor Day and can persist into late September or even mid-October. If you are allergic to ragweed, oral or nasal antihistamines or cortisone nasal sprays taken before exposure to pollen can help prevent an outbreak of symptoms.
DON’T GIVE POLLEN THE TIME OF DAY. Peak pollen emissions can vary from plant to plant. Ragweed pollen is released onto the plant leaves at daybreak, then depending upon the dew and wind conditions, it usually is at it highest airborne level between 10:00 a.m. and noon. This would be a good time to avoid outdoor activities such as exercise and gardening, or wear a pollen mask to limit exposure. Also avoid windy weather.
KNOCK KNOCK, WHO’S THERE? Keep pollen out by keeping windows closed in your home and car. Use a high efficiency disposable pleated media filter with a MERV rating of 8 to 12 in your home air conditioning system and change it every three months. (A higher MERV means it is more effective in removing airborne allergens.) Change clothes after being outside and wash your hair before bedtime. Avoid wearing contact lenses when outdoors to keep pollen from irritating the eyes. Be sure to wash your hands after petting furry animals that have been outside.
KISSING COUSINS. Some people with ragweed pollen allergy also have an allergic reaction to certain foods including melons, bananas, cucumbers and zucchini. This cross-reaction is called oral allergy syndrome, which is itching or swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or roof of the mouth. Allergy testing may help identify foods that should be avoided.
MISTAKEN IDENTY. Goldenrod is often blamed for hay fever, since its bright yellow flower blooms at about the same time as ragweed. However, it produces heavy, sticky pollen grains that do not become airborne but instead are spread by insects, so it is not the cause of hay fever.
And to think, I have been been badmouthing goldenrod all of these years.
I would add to shower after you’ve been outside. Clean your pet also. Nasal irrigation is another excellent, drug-free idea.
To learn more about pollen counts in your area, go to pollen.com, or the AAAAI Web site.
Does anyone have additional tips to cope with allergies this time of year? Has anyone tried nasal irrigation?
I have a hard time convincing people to try it, but once they do, many swear by it.
Goldenrod image courtesy Jennifer Anderson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.
Tags: allergies
August 27th, 2008 at 11:39 am
We are fortunate not to have hay fever in our household…whew! I know many individuals that have pretty extreme cases and seem to be pretty miserable. Wow travel 100 miles! Very good information!
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