Fall allergies can interfere with your lifestyle, and finding out what you can do about allergies can help you resume your normal activities.
If sneezing and a runny nose ruin your autumns, you may be one of the millions of Americans with fall allergies—most likely caused by ragweed. This insufferable plant grows almost everywhere in the continental U.S., releasing its allergy-causing pollen from August to the first frost. Ragweed produces 1 billion pollen grains in an average season, and they can travel as far as 400 miles on the wind.
Three out of four people who are allergic to pollen-producing plants are allergic to ragweed. They’re also likely to have symptoms when they consume cantaloupes, bananas, sunflower seeds, certain honeys or chamomile tea, which share similar proteins.
Keep an Eye out for These Symptoms. Ragweed allergy symptoms include:
• Irritated, puffy eyes
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• An itchy nose and throat
• Headaches
• Chronic sinusitis
• Difficulty breathing
While symptoms may be mild, close to 80 percent of people with seasonal allergies have trouble sleeping. That can harm concentration and cause absences from work or school. What’s more, while ragweed is usually associated with seasonal allergy symptoms like the ones above, it can also cause skin conditions, such as hives.
Become a Self-Care Expert. The best way to avoid ragweed symptoms is to avoid ragweed pollen. Here’s how:
• Steer clear of areas where ragweed is likely to thrive. Such sites include ditches, vacant lots, riverbanks and edges of wooded areas.
• Keep the windows of your home closed and run an air conditioner.
• Close your car windows.
• Avoid spending time outdoors when pollen counts are high. The National Allergy Bureau tracks the pollen count in different regions. Visit www.aaaai.org/global.nab-pollen-counts for pollen levels.
• Take a shower after spending time outdoors.
What to do When Ragweed Won’t Relent.
Are you unable to avoid ragweed and its symptoms? Try over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines or anti-inflammatory eyedrops and nose sprays or drops. The pharmacists at your local Good Neighbor Pharmacy can help you find a treatment option that works for you.
Some people have severe symptoms and get little relief from self-care or OTC options. If you’re one of them, see your doctor. You may find relief from prescription nasal corticosteroids and oral antihistamines. Stubborn cases may require immunotherapy (allergy injections) for months or years.
For more information, visit the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America at: www.aafa.org.
Good Neighbor Pharmacy, September 2012
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