Ragweed pollen count surges with various allergic reactions

Ever realize how everyone has been coughing, sneezing and just having allergies like crazy? Well, you can thank Ragweed for that.

Ragweed pollen season is among us and it’s been affecting everyone. But no matter how allergic you are to it, it won’t be fatal.

Ragweed lives for only one season, with only one plant producing up to 1 billion pollen grains, according to a press release by the Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic. The grains are lightweight and float easily through the air. Fall allergy symptoms used to start in mid-August and run through September, but in many parts of the country, they extend through October. Studies suggest that rising temperatures and higher carbon dioxide levels contribute to longer growth time.

Dale B. Smith, D.O, of Allergy, Ear, Nose & Throat Institute in Lawton, said pollination is higher due to the weed being threatened by dry temperatures. 

Allergies happen when the body’s immune system treats the allergen like a foreign invader, the release said. This starts a chemical reaction, producing and sending histamine throughout the blood stream, which causes allergy symptoms to develop. 

Allergy severity varies with everyone, Smith said. Most minor allergies only need allergy medication such as antihistamines while more severe allergies require allergy shots. Smith said his clinic sees hundreds of patients who come in for allergy shots. Allergy symptoms range from a runny nose and itchy eyes to coughing, sneezing and even shortness of breath.

In order to combat the troublesome grains, Smith said to put HEPA approved A/C filters in one’s house, and leave the A/C on with the doors closed.