Millions of Americans are affected by seasonal allergies, the most common of which is ragweed allergy. Ragweed allergy occurs when sensitive people react to pollen from the ragweed plant. People with this type of allergy experience symptoms after coming into contact with the pollen – usually by inhaling pollen particles.

Ragweed pollen acts as an allergen in sensitive people. An allergen is a harmless substance that the body recognizes as a threat, triggering an exaggerated reaction from the immune system. Symptoms, such as itchy eyes, nose and throat, runny nose and sneezing, are the result of such an allergic reaction. The allergic reaction to plants that produce pollen is known as hay fever (allergic rhinitis).

Each ragweed plant is capable of producing billions of pollen particles every year. The pollen is distributed by air currents that allow the plant to disperse its pollen to other ragweed plants. Ragweed pollen can travel hundreds of miles in the air, triggering symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis. Because ragweed pollinates in late summer to fall, depending on the region, allergy symptoms tend to appear seasonally in affected people.

Ragweed is widely distributed throughout the United States and people sensitive to this plant should track the pollen counts in their region to be aware of the timing of ragweed pollination in their area.

By keeping track of pollen forecasts, people can take measures to avoid exposure (staying indoors when ragweed counts are high, for instance) or minimize symptoms (such as taking certain allergy medications prior to the onset of symptoms).

Ragweed allergy can be diagnosed by consulting a physician. The physician will examine the patient and develop a medical history. A skin test may be used to determine the specific allergen that is triggering the patient’s symptoms. The physician may recommend against the planting of related plants in the patient’s garden, and warn about cross-reactivity with certain foods. Ragweed allergy can also be treated with medications such as antihistamines, nasal decongestants, corticosteroids and allergy shots.