Watch Out for RAGWEED!

Texas is known as one of the allergy capitals of the US. One of our main allergens, ragweed, is presently in full bloom. The pollination of ragweed occurs nearly the same time each year and lasts from mid-August through November or until the first frost.

Ragweed allergy symptoms include sneezing; runny or stuffy nose; itchy throat or inside of ears; hives; and swollen eyelids and itchy eyes. This is often called hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis. Some people also develop asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and trouble breathing.

People who are allergic to ragweed often have a cross reactivity to certain foods.  Ragweed sufferers may feel a tingling or burning in their mouths after they eat cantaloupe, honeydew melon, watermelon, or bananas. These fruits can cause these symptoms at any time but especially during ragweed season.

Tips for controlling ragweed exposure:

• Wash your hands after being outside
•  Limit your time outdoors when ragweed counts are high – especially in the morning
•  Wear a dust mask when you need to do outdoor tasks
• Don’t wear your outdoor work clothes in the house
• Use a clothes dryer rather than outdoor clothes lines
• The windows in your home and car should be kept closed at all times
• Clean and replace air conditioner filters using HEPA filters

Medications to prevent or treat symptoms

• Antihistamines taken daily will reduce overall allergy symptoms
• Nasal steroids will reduce nasal symptoms
• Nasal saline will rinse pollen from the nasal cavity
• Decongestants will reduce overall allergy inflammation or swelling
• A steroid shot administered by your physician can be given for severe symptoms

If symptoms persist despite the above recommendations, consider evaluation and possible allergy testing with an otolaryngologist. If allergy tests confirm ragweed sensitives, immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots or sublingual drops may be effective.  You may also be found to have a different problem all together such as chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or septal deviation which can be effectively treated by an experienced otolaryngologist.

Zachary Wassmuth, MD