Ragweed Season starts August 15th
MILWAUKEE – Just as allergy sufferers begin feeling
relief from the diminishing tree and grass pollen, along comes the start of
ragweed season, wreaking havoc on the more than 36 million Americans suffering
from seasonal allergic rhinitis, or "hay fever." Ragweed can have a
devastating effect on the lives of allergy sufferers. Every year, it accounts
for more than $3 billion in lost production, medications and doctor visits.
Without proper management, allergies may soon be controlling you.
For most of the country, ragweed starts blooming around August 15,
according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).
The pollen released from ragweed is the airborne allergen most responsible for
the onslaught of allergy symptoms. In addition to sneezing and itchy, watery
eyes, symptoms caused by ragweed can take a heavy toll on the allergy
sufferer's quality of life.
The AAAAI reports that 80% of patients with seasonal allergies experience
sleep problems, leading to fatigue, loss of concentration and poor performance
at work and school. Each year, more than 3.8 million days of work and school
are missed due to seasonal allergies.
"In addition to having a negative effect on your quality of life,
uncontrolled symptoms can lead to more serious medical conditions," says
allergist Christopher C. Randolph, MD, FAAAAI, and pollen counter with the
AAAAI's National Allergy Bureau. "Without proper diagnosis and management,
that annoying little sniffle may trigger asthma or sinusitis."
The AAAAI urges allergy sufferers to consult with an
allergist/immunologist before their allergies get out of control and have a
negative affect on their day to day activities. Studies have shown that those
under the care of an allergist/immunologist make fewer visits to emergency
rooms and are better able manage their symptoms.
Ragweed facts:
Each ragweed plant produces one billion pollen grains per average season
Grains can travel up to 400 miles due to their lightweight texture
Allergy sufferers in urban areas can feel the impact of ragweed because it grows in abundance in vacant lots
Ragweed commonly grows in fields and along roadsides
It is most prevalent throughout the Northeast, South and Midwest
It blooms from mid-August to October
"Ragweed is a stubborn plant that can grow anywhere. Ragweed pollen is an important cause of fall allergy symptoms," said Richard Nicklas, MD, Fellow of the AAAAI and member of the AAAAI's Rhinitis Committee.
Symptoms of "hay fever," or allergic rhinitis:
Once exposed to ragweed, allergy sufferers often experience sneezing, runny noses and swollen, itchy, watery eyes. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis, commonly called “hay fever,” can have a major impact on a person's quality of life including their ability to function well at school or work.
The AAAAI recommends the following tips for allergy sufferers to help reduce their exposure to ragweed:
Keep windows closed at all times during ragweed season to prevent pollen from drifting into your home. Use air conditioning, which cleans, cools and dries the air
Minimize outdoor activity when pollen counts are high. Peak pollen times are usually between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Keep your car windows closed when traveling
Take a shower after spending time outside – pollen can collect on your hair and skin
Don't hang sheets or clothing outside to dry. Pollens can collect on them
Minimize exposure to other known allergens during ragweed season, since symptoms are the result of a cumulative effect of multiple allergens and non-allergic triggers
Get up-to-date pollen information from your area from the National Allergy Bureau at www.aaaai.org/nab
When to see an allergist/immunologist
Allergic rhinitis may contribute to sleep disorders, fatigue and learning problems. And, people with allergic rhinitis often have asthma and/or sinusitis. These people should consider seeing an allergist/immunologist to develop a treatment plan that will best help them gain control of their symptoms. To find an allergist/immunologist, call AAAAI's referral line at 1(800) 822-2762 or visit the AAAAI Web site at www.aaaai.org
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology is the largest professional medical specialty organization in the United States , representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals, and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has nearly 6,000 members in the United States , Canada and 60 other countries.
Editor's note: The AAAAI has photos of ragweed available for your use. They can be downloaded at http://www.aaaai.org/media/photos_graphics/plants.stm
