If you’re forced to search for allergy relief in the fall, the chances are that ragweed may be causing most of your problems. Native to the U.S., especially in the southwest, ragweed blooms in late summer and early fall. Unfortunately, it tends to wreak havoc on the sinuses of many people. To know whether it’s affecting you and what to do about it, the first step is to learn what ragweed allergies are. 

What is a Ragweed Allergy and Its Symptoms? 

Sensitivity to ragweed could be classified as a pollen allergy. Your immune system overcompensates for the danger it believes is posed by the pollen that the ragweed spreads. It usually causes symptoms typical of hay fever--runny nose, congestion, itchy or swollen eyes, headaches, coughing, and a sore throat. More severe reactions would include asthma symptoms, like wheezing or trouble breathing, in which case allergy relief would be immediately necessary. In general, a ragweed allergy makes you more susceptible to respiratory infections.    

What Kind of Allergy Relief is Available for Ragweed Sensitivity? 

There are a few different allergy relief medications that can help you manage a ragweed allergy. For example, you can get a prescription to take every day for at least twelve weeks before the start of the season, and this will often reduce the severity of your immune system’s reaction to the pollen. Allergy shots can accomplish a similar purpose. Otherwise, keep antihistamines with you throughout the season in case you have a sudden, severe flare-up. 

If you can’t or don’t want to take medicine, try to avoid going outside in the morning, as this is when ragweed pollen is thickest. Check pollen counts online every day so that you can stay indoors as much as possible when the levels are high. Wash your clothes and pets if they’ve been outside for long periods. Shower more often, too, especially before going to sleep to ensure that you won’t carry stray pollen with you to your bed. Strive to keep pollen out of your home and vehicle by keeping the windows and doors closed whenever you can. 

 
For allergy relief medication and shots to help you resist the effects of ragweed pollen, head to Allergy and Asthma Specialty Center/Masood Ahmad, M.D. in West Chester, OH. With his 25 years of experience and distinction as Cincinnati Magazine’s top-rated allergist, he and his team of licensed nurses will ensure that respiratory issues and hay fever do not disrupt your daily quality of life. Even if you’re experiencing rare symptoms, like skin rashes, he won’t stop until he can provide a solution. To find out more about his services, call his office at (513) 777-7097 or check out his website.