If you are among the millions of people across North America who suffer from ragweed allergy each year, chances are you will be more familiar with the ragweed plant than you will be and will be exposed to the horrible allergic pollen that it reveals.
But how do those who come to visit the good old United States on a summer vacation know what rugby is all about?
I think the answer to this question is probably not, because the rugby plant is not something that creates problems in other parts of the world.
I say this from experience, since I inadvertently became acquainted with ragweed one summer while visiting family in the states from my home in the UK. It was not a beautiful experience.
If you’re someone who suffers from pollen allergies, or the term ‘hay fever’ is in Europe, you’ll want to know all about ragweed before you spend any time in North America from July to October!
What is the ragweed plant and where it found?
The ragweed plant is the culprit of this annual story, as it produces the most allergenic pollen of all trees. A type of sunflower, it is a flowering plant that grows in more than 40 species, from the common ragweed to the giant ragweed.
It grows in places where you have to control it, except landscapes, riverbanks, dry and sandy plains, areas other than your backyard where you have control.
You can wander outside all summer and autumn and not even see a ragweed plant, yet how can it be that the pollen is ruining you?
The fact is that the pollen that the ragweed plant produces is so light that once released the air can carry it for many miles and thus it affects people everywhere, they are not considered as safe from the plant.
Are you warmer in an area where ragweed pollen floating around you is more likely to go and cool somewhere for the summer?
‘What is ragweed?’ – After answering the main question, let’s see what causes allergies and what you can do to avoid it.
What causes ragweed allergies?
Ragweed allergy is caused by pollen that is released from the ragweed plant. Each plant has the ability to produce and release millions of grains in the air.
These are then inhaled by humans and may induce some people to react to the immune system as harmful, which is certainly not the case. Of course the reaction is the symptoms of hay fever.
No one can control how their immune system responds to stimuli like pollen, which is why there are so many people around the world who suffer from pollen allergies like ragweed allergies.
How do I know if I have a ragweed allergy or not?
Ragweed pollen is one of the common causes of fever. It affect one in five Americans and 83% of allergy sufferers.
There are more than 15 species of rugged pollen in the United States, and it can spread almost anywhere from moist northwest to desert-dry southwest.
However, redwood trees are found mostly in rural areas and open spaces that receive a lot of sunlight. And just one tiny plant can produce one billion grains of pollen in one season.
Not only is it easy to produce ragweed pollen, but it can also travel distances.
The pollen travels in the air and can reach large quantities and survives even in mild winters. This means that some people may develop a ragweed allergy, not just in the fall, but throughout the year.
Ragweed pollen can even float; It is found 400 miles from the ocean and two miles above the atmosphere.
Signs and symptoms of ragweed allergy:
It is difficult to determine if you have a ragweed allergy based on your symptoms as the reaction may mimic an allergy for another reason.
It is best to see an allergist because you can reduce your specific allergies. That said, there are a few signs to keep an eye on that could indicate a ragweed allergy.
These symptoms hit in mid-August and go through the first snowfall of the season which probably occurs in mid-October.
- Itching, watery eyes
- Sore throat
- Nasal or nasal discharge
- Suction pressure
- Cough
- Huising
- Decreased smell or taste
- Contact dermatitis
How to avoid ragweed allergies:
Since redwood is so wide and hard to avoid, you will probably need a medic to make it more comfortable. Usually, the first line of definition is to avoid allergens, but in this case it is almost impossible. However, there are effective things you can do to improve symptoms.
Stay indoors if the counts are high. Generally, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For example, if you enjoy running in the morning, try switching to your routine in the evening if the number of pollen is low.
Keep your home windows and car closed. It’s hard to find crop days in the first few days of fall, but it’s in your best interest to do so if you must open a window on low pollen days and during off-peak hours.
