Ragweed allergy causes symptoms located in the head and throat. Symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy, runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Cough
• Itchy and sore throat
• Red, itchy or watery eyes

Severe ragweed allergies may also result in sleep problems, fatigue, loss of concentration and poor performance at work or school.  

Individuals who suspect a ragweed allergy can confirm the diagnosis by visiting an allergist/immunologist. A physician trying to diagnose ragweed allergy will take a complete medical history and perform a physical examination.

A skin test or blood test may be used to determine the allergen that is causing the patient's symptoms. During skin testing for ragweed allergy, a doctor will prick or inject an extract of ragweed pollen into a patient’s skin and wait 10 to 20 minutes to see if there is a reaction. The development of a small, raised, reddish area generally indicates a positive reaction.

Skin testing is not practical for those with certain skin conditions. In such cases, a blood test such as a radioallergosorbent test (RAST) may be used to measure whether or not an individual is allergic to ragweed. In this process, ragweed is introduced and a patient’s blood is checked for an increase of the IgE antibody, which indicates a potential allergy.