Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentCopingOutlookFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definition
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Coping
Outlook
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a ragweed allergy you may not know the “how” or “why” behind your sniffles and sneezes, but you most certainly know the “when.” Ragweed allergy can bring on impossible-to-ignore symptoms.
This article will explore where ragweed is commonly found, why it can lead to allergies, and how it’s treated.
OlyaSolodenko / Getty Images
What Is Ragweed Allergy?
Ragweed is a weed with flowers that release pollen. If you are allergic to it, your immune system overreacts to this pollen as if it were a threat.
With this comes inflammation of the nasal passages. This ishay fever, orseasonal allergic rhinitis, and it brings about some symptoms that are similar to acommon cold.
Ragweed pollen is the most common cause of fall hay fever. And like most causes of pollen allergy, ragweed pollen is spread through the air and is too small to be seen with the naked eye.
When Is Ragweed Season?
Ragweed pollen is mostly released between August and October. In most places, ragweed pollen peaks in mid-September and continues until the first frost kills the plant.
The ragweed season typically lasts six to 10 weeks.
Pollen counts are highest during the morning hours and on windy days. Rainfall can decrease pollen counts.
Where Is Ragweed Pollen Commonly Found?
Ragweed grows just about anywhere, especially in fields, along the side of highways, and in vacant lots.
There are 17 species of ragweed that grow in North America.
The two main types are:
Ragweed is especially common in the Midwestern region and along the East Coast of the United States, but it can even be found in Hawaii and many other parts of the world, including Europe.
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Incidence of Ragweed Allergy
Ragweed is the most common weed allergy, affecting about 15% to 26% of people in the U.S.It’s also one of the most common causes of seasonal allergies.
RecapRagweed allergy is a type of pollen allergy that occurs during late summer and early fall. Ragweed can grow in most places in the United States and is common in the Midwest and along the East Coast.
Recap
Ragweed allergy is a type of pollen allergy that occurs during late summer and early fall. Ragweed can grow in most places in the United States and is common in the Midwest and along the East Coast.
Ragweed Allergy Symptoms
Ragweed allergy, like other pollen allergies, may include symptoms of hay fever, eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis), andallergic asthma.
Hay fever often leads:
Allergic conjunctivitis can cause eyes to become:
With allergic asthma, an allergen such as ragweed triggers symptoms ofasthma, such as:
What Causes Ragweed Allergy
When your immune system overreacts to an allergen, it creates specialized proteins called antibodies that are designed to attack the allergen. Even minimal exposure to ragweed pollen can be enough for this process to begin.
Ragweed and Other Allergies
Many people with other types of pollen allergy are also allergic to ragweed pollen. For example, if you’re allergic to tree pollen, it’s very likely you have a ragweed allergy as well.
Ragweed allergy can be related to certain food allergies as well, since ragweed pollen has similar proteins to certain types of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and herbs. Some people with ragweed allergy may experiencepollen food allergy syndromefrom consuming these proteins.
What Is Oral Allergy Syndrome?
Pollen food allergy syndrome, also called pollen fruit syndrome, is an allergic reaction that causes itching and tingling in the mouth, throat, and lips. People with ragweed allergy may experience it after eating certain raw fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, melons, and zucchini, especially during ragweed season.
Allergies todust mites,mold, orpet dandercan overlap with pollen allergies. And if you are having a reaction to more than one allergy at one time, it can make your symptoms feel worse.
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Diagnosis of Ragweed Allergy
If you have allergy symptoms, see anallergist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies andasthma.
The allergist will ask you about your medical history, the symptoms you’re experiencing, and their timing. They may also performskin or blood teststo confirm a ragweed allergy or to diagnose other allergies.
Skin prick tests are common skin tests that involve pricking the skin with a small amount of ragweed pollen and other common allergens to see which ones cause a reaction.
Blood tests look for antibodies or the actions of antibodies within a blood sample.
The Difference Between Blood Tests and Skin Tests for Allergies
How to Treat Ragweed Allergy
Although a ragweed allergy cannot be cured, over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications can help you successfully reduce and manage symptoms.
Immunotherapy—which exposes you to very small amounts of ragweed over time to gradually decrease your immune system’s reactivity to it—is another option. It may be considered if other medications don’t bring you relief.
Speak to an allergist about which treatments or combination of treatments might be best for you.
Medications for Ragweed Allergy
There are a variety of drugs that may be considered for the treatment of ragweed allergy. They may be used alone or in combination.
OTC options include:
Prescription options include:
Starting your medication in the summer can help you be prepared for ragweed season and avoid some of the symptoms.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is typically delivered inallergy shots. It typically involves treatments once or twice a week for about six months, after which time the frequency may reduce, depending on your individual response.
Maintenance treatments given about once a month are typically needed for several years.
There are also drops or tablets with ragweed extract that go under the tongue, which is calledsublingual immunotherapy. Ragwitek is one example.
Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment and it can take a full year of regular treatments to start to notice improvements in your symptoms. However, many find that commitment worthwhile.
Immunotherapies have been well studied in the treatment of ragweed allergy and are known to be very effective.
RecapOTC or prescription medications can help ease ragweed allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion and/or inflammation. Immunotherapies, treatments that gradually expose you to ragweed in order to make your body less reactive, can offer a more long-term solution.
OTC or prescription medications can help ease ragweed allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion and/or inflammation. Immunotherapies, treatments that gradually expose you to ragweed in order to make your body less reactive, can offer a more long-term solution.
Reducing Ragweed Exposure
Ragweed is difficult to avoid since it spreads so easily through the air, but there are some steps you can take to reduce your exposure.
Being mindful of the foods you eat can also help you avoid those with similar proteins that may trigger your allergy symptoms.
How to Avoid Ragweed Pollen
To minimize your exposure to ragweed pollen, try the following:
Foods to Avoid
Certain fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and herbs can contain similar proteins to ragweed pollen. If you notice symptoms when eating any of the below foods and have ragweed allergy, you may need to avoid them:
In most cases, ragweed allergy can be successfully managed with immunotherapy if medications don’t offer enough relief.However, the level of symptom control can vary depending on the person.
It may take some time to figure out which lifestyle changes and medications may be most helpful in your case. Even when you find them, your symptoms may be well-managed at one time of year and less controlled at other times, when pollen levels are high.
To complicate matter further, the severity of your immune response and its accompanying symptoms can shift as you age. You may seem to outgrow certain hay fever symptoms, or they may change or intensify.This may require a change in your treatment plan.
Summary
Ragweed pollen is a common seasonal allergen, affecting about 15% to 26% of people in the U.S.
Frequently Asked QuestionsAn allergist can evaluate your symptoms and perform skin or blood tests to diagnose allergies.Learn MoreAllergy TestingThe season usually lasts six to 10 weeks and peaks in September.Any of the non-drowsy antihistamines, such as Claritin or Zyrtec, may be helpful for ragweed allergies.Learn MoreAntihistamines and How They’re UsedFoods related to ragweed include melons, mangoes, bananas, cucumbers, artichokes, sunflower seeds, echinacea, and chamomile tea.Learn MoreThe Ragweed and Melon Allergy Connection
An allergist can evaluate your symptoms and perform skin or blood tests to diagnose allergies.Learn MoreAllergy Testing
An allergist can evaluate your symptoms and perform skin or blood tests to diagnose allergies.
Learn MoreAllergy Testing
The season usually lasts six to 10 weeks and peaks in September.
Any of the non-drowsy antihistamines, such as Claritin or Zyrtec, may be helpful for ragweed allergies.Learn MoreAntihistamines and How They’re Used
Any of the non-drowsy antihistamines, such as Claritin or Zyrtec, may be helpful for ragweed allergies.
Learn MoreAntihistamines and How They’re Used
Foods related to ragweed include melons, mangoes, bananas, cucumbers, artichokes, sunflower seeds, echinacea, and chamomile tea.Learn MoreThe Ragweed and Melon Allergy Connection
Foods related to ragweed include melons, mangoes, bananas, cucumbers, artichokes, sunflower seeds, echinacea, and chamomile tea.
Learn MoreThe Ragweed and Melon Allergy Connection
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Ragweed pollen allergy.Allergy & Asthma Network.Ragweed allergies.Chen KW, Marusciac L, Tamas PT, Valenta R, Panaitescu C.Ragweed pollen allergy: burden, characteristics, and management of an imported allergen source in europe.IAA. 2018;176(3-4):163-180. doi:10.1159/000487997American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome.Kim H, Waserman S, Hébert J, et al.Efficacy and safety of ragweed sublingual immunotherapy in Canadian patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.All Asth Clin Immun. 2014;10(1):55. doi:10.1186/1710-1492-10-55Cleveland Clinic.Can you outgrow hay fever or other allergies? Updated May 7, 2021.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Ragweed pollen allergy.Allergy & Asthma Network.Ragweed allergies.Chen KW, Marusciac L, Tamas PT, Valenta R, Panaitescu C.Ragweed pollen allergy: burden, characteristics, and management of an imported allergen source in europe.IAA. 2018;176(3-4):163-180. doi:10.1159/000487997American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome.Kim H, Waserman S, Hébert J, et al.Efficacy and safety of ragweed sublingual immunotherapy in Canadian patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.All Asth Clin Immun. 2014;10(1):55. doi:10.1186/1710-1492-10-55Cleveland Clinic.Can you outgrow hay fever or other allergies? Updated May 7, 2021.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Ragweed pollen allergy.Allergy & Asthma Network.Ragweed allergies.Chen KW, Marusciac L, Tamas PT, Valenta R, Panaitescu C.Ragweed pollen allergy: burden, characteristics, and management of an imported allergen source in europe.IAA. 2018;176(3-4):163-180. doi:10.1159/000487997American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome.Kim H, Waserman S, Hébert J, et al.Efficacy and safety of ragweed sublingual immunotherapy in Canadian patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.All Asth Clin Immun. 2014;10(1):55. doi:10.1186/1710-1492-10-55Cleveland Clinic.Can you outgrow hay fever or other allergies? Updated May 7, 2021.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Ragweed pollen allergy.
Allergy & Asthma Network.Ragweed allergies.
Chen KW, Marusciac L, Tamas PT, Valenta R, Panaitescu C.Ragweed pollen allergy: burden, characteristics, and management of an imported allergen source in europe.IAA. 2018;176(3-4):163-180. doi:10.1159/000487997
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome.
Kim H, Waserman S, Hébert J, et al.Efficacy and safety of ragweed sublingual immunotherapy in Canadian patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.All Asth Clin Immun. 2014;10(1):55. doi:10.1186/1710-1492-10-55
Cleveland Clinic.Can you outgrow hay fever or other allergies? Updated May 7, 2021.
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