Pigweed Allergy Everything to Know | Best 5 Tips to Manage

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Pigweed Allergy Everything You Must Know

Pigweed is a herb plant that grows annually throughout states with dry and hot climatic conditions. The popular pigweed belongs to the amaranth family, which is further considered Amaranthus retroflex or late summer common pigweed. 

It is a green leafy small plant with tiny green flowers that are easily visible. This plant got its name as pigweed because some percentage of it is used in pig fodder.

Where is pigweed found?

When we talk about their existence, primarily, they are found in abandoned areas for a very long time—often in the backyard of the house where maintenance is done occasionally.

Pigweed allergy Season:

The weather condition that supports the growth of pigweed is usually dry or sunny. Therefore the popular areas of pigweed growth worldwide are Hungary, Mexico, Brazil, Korea, United States, Afghanistan, etc. 

Are Pigweed allergy also known as pollen allergy?

Yes, pigweed allergies are considered in the category of pollen allergy because pollen allergies are seasonal and come at a specific time of the year.

Each spring or summer, pigweed plants release small pollen grains to fertilize further for the upcoming years. This pigweed pollen can cause allergic symptoms in many people.

The simple reason is that they travel by wind and get quickly in contact with humans. 

Does having a pollen allergy make you prone to pigweed allergy?

Many people who are allergic to grass pollen, weed, trees, etc., tend to be allergic to pigweed pollen. The nature of pollen allergies is almost the same, and it can create confusion for you also to identify which pollen you might be allergic to.

Symptoms of an allergy can vary a lot, from itching to fever only. Thus, allergies depend on how well your immune system is tackling them.

However, doctors also state that times people who are allergic to one pollen type might not get allergic to the other form of pollen allergy.

Thus getting a lab test is recommended for the best classification of your allergy type.

Methods of detecting pigweed allergy:

There are two main methods to detect the allergy: IgE Blood Testing and the second one is Skin-Prick Testing. Both the test is well proven to identify the type of allergy you might be sensitive of.

Thus, if you are found allergic to any pollen allergy or pigweed allergy, then your doctor will further recommend the necessary medication or precaution you must exercise. 

Symptoms of Pigweed allergy:

The symptoms can vary from person to person, as tackling an allergy is totally on how well the body can manage it. Thus few common identifies pigweed allergy symptoms are:

  1. Sneezing. 
  2. Coughing.
  3. Fever.
  4. Congestion in the Nasal area.
  5. Runny Nose.
  6. Watery Eyes.
  7. Light to moderate itching in the throat.
  8. Nausea etc.

Therefore, if you see any of the symptoms getting severe, then immediately consult your doctor for proper medication and consultation. 

Food to avoid if you have pigweed allergy:

Food to avoid  pigweed allergy

Generally, it’s seen that adults and kids who suffer from pigweed allergy or any pollen allergy tend to be prone to having OAS, i.e., Oral allergy syndrome.

Due to this, they need to give extra care to what they eat. OAS allergy types if directly connected to the allergies caused due to the environment, such as pollen allergy.

Thus, kids and adults suffering from pigweed allergy need to avoid food such as pineapple, zucchini, tomato, banana, hazelnut, peanut, watermelon, citrus fruit, melon, etc.

It is advisable to eat in moderate quantity after consulting your doctor so that excessive eating doesn’t contribute to your health.

How to manage pigweed allergy effectively?

If you have severe allergic conditions, it is highly recommended to contact your doctor to take the prescribed medication.

In a situation of severe pigweed allergy or any pollen allergy, no one should rely on home medication.

It can cause you serious health issues as well as can cause death if not adequately treated. 

However, people who know that they have pigweed allergies can follow the below points to avoid getting in touch with it again.

  1. Check pollen count: Yes, as you know, pigweed allergy is commonly spread due to its presence in the wind. Thus you must keep track of the daily pollen count in the air. If you notice a high pollen count, it is recommended not to step outside or wear a mask with a shield to avoid direct interaction. If you are stepping outside after good rain, then undoubtedly, the chance of your getting a pigweed allergy decreases. 
  2. Get a pollen mask: Try to avoid outdoor activities whenever possible and also buy a pollen mask. Pollen masks are designed to make the pollen impossible to enter through your nose and keep you protected. 
  3. Keep your windows shut: Understandably, pigweed allergy spreads out through winds, and the pollen particles can quickly enter your house through the wind. Thus, during average summer days, try to keep your windows shut so that outside air can’t enter your place. However, during the rainy season, you can keep your windows open after a good rain. 
  4. Keep your bedding clean: On our part, it is not always possible to keep windows shut; thus, we often tend to forget to keep our bedding clean or remove the minute dust accumulated on it. Therefore people suffering from pigweed allergies are recommended to dust off their beddings daily and try to wash them at least once a week in hot water. 
  5. Wash your clothes regularly: It is recommended that after every time you come back home from any outdoor activity. Put your clothes to wash and take a bath as well. Therefore, when you interact with the outside environment, several tiny pollens can stick to your clothes and get in easy touch with your, Thus taking a shower and cleaning clothes after every outdoor activity reduces the chances of pigweed allergy. 

Conclusion:

Please note for any relief related to medication, contact directly to your doctor and not rely on any online source. You can surely take home remedies if your allergic conditions are not severe.

But if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, reach your nearest hospital or call your doctor for consultation. 

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