How Do I Know If I Have A Ragweed Allergy? Everything You Need To Know

What Is a Ragweed Pollen Allergy?

Ragweed is a general term that’s used for several different plants in the genus of Ambrosia, and the most common type in America is Ambrosia artemisiifolia. Ragweed plants are also sometimes called “bursages” or “burrobrushes.”

Ragweed can be found throughout the entire U.S., but it’s the most common in the Eastern and Midwestern United States. It’s estimated that nearly 50% of all seasonal allergies are caused by ragweed.

Why? Because ragweed releases a lot of pollen. By some estimates, a single ragweed plant can release one million or more grains of pollen each day. And not only does each plant release a lot of pollen, but each grain is extremely fine. The powdery pollen can easily be blown around by the wind, and spread over huge areas, even if no ragweed is growing nearby.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Ragweed Allergies?

Ragweed pollen is a major culprit behind allergic rhinitis, commonly referred to as Hay Fever, and can lead to a variety of symptoms. The symptoms of ragweed pollen allergies are the same as those of other seasonal allergies. If you have a ragweed allergy, you may experience eye irritation and itchy, watery eyes. You may also suffer from sneezing, nasal congestion, or a runny nose, and your throat may be itchy. Ragweed pollen allergies can also cause chest congestion and coughing, though this is not as common as the other symptoms of seasonal allergies.

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When Are Ragweed Pollen Allergies The Worst?

Ragweed pollen is not released in the spring or for most of the summer. Usually, it begins to spread in early August, with peak spread in the middle of September. After this, ragweed pollen levels start to drop, though it can still be present as late as November in some areas of the country.

If the symptoms of ragweed pollen allergies are the same as other seasonal allergies, how are you supposed to tell if you’re allergic to ragweed, or if your symptoms are being caused by some other allergen, like tree pollen or grass pollen?

Well, the only way to be absolutely sure is to see an Ohio allergist at Premier Allergy & Asthma. We can run tests to determine the cause of your allergies, and make sure that you get the diagnosis and treatment you need. But one big clue is the time of year when your allergies tend to worsen.

Need Help With Ragweed Pollen Allergies? Come To Premier Allergy & Asthma Today!

If your allergies usually start in August and get worse through the early autumn, there’s a very good chance that you’re allergic to ragweed. And at Premier Allergy & Asthma, we’re here to help. With our team of experienced allergists on your side, you can get the care you need to reduce your symptoms, feel better, and get through allergy season with less discomfort. Contact us online to schedule your allergy testing appointment at one of our offices throughout Central Ohio today, and take the first steps toward relief from ragweed pollen allergies.