Ragweed allergy and its treatments
Ragweeds are soft-stemmed weeds that grow in most regions in the country. The weeds release fine pollen to fertilize other ragweeds. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, ragweed pollens can be found in the sea as well as in the air. These pollens cause seasonal allergies that affect almost 23 million people in the country. Unfortunately, once the allergy is developed, it is unlikely to go soon. Hence, ragweed allergy treatments are popular in the country.
Typically, allergy treatments include the following steps:
- Identifying allergens
This is probably is the most important step in preventing allergic reactions. Your doctor will first identify the allergen responsible for the allergy and ask you to avoid it. - Medications
Your doctor may prescribe medications depending on your allergy that will help ease the symptoms and also your immune system’s reaction. Generally, the medications may be in the form of nasal sprays, pills, liquid, and eye-drops. - Immunotherapy
This is normally prescribed for people suffering from severe allergies that cannot be relieved by other allergy treatments. Immunotherapy involves injections of allergen extracts that are given over a period of few years. Pollen allergies may be treated with the help of sublingual medications. These tablets are placed under the tongue until it dissolves.
- Epinephrine shot
In case of severe allergy, you may need to carry epinephrine shot. These emergency shots help reduce allergy symptoms until you get some medical help.
If you suffer from ragweed allergy, it is best to consult a doctor who will diagnose the problem with the help of a few tests and then accordingly recommend ragweed allergy treatments. Generally, antihistamines and other allergy medications may be prescribed to treat ragweed allergies. In fact, you can start taking the medications two weeks before the symptoms start showing during the spring season.
Two common immunotherapy options for ragweed allergy are as follows:
- Allergy shots
These enable your body to build resistance - Sublingual medications
These tablets are available through prescription and must be taken 12 weeks before the ragweed season begins.
Other tips for ragweed allergy treatments are as follows:
- Understand which pollen you are allergic to and check for the pollen count. Tree and grass pollen levels are highest in the evening while the ragweed pollen levels are highest in the morning during the spring and the summer season.
- Make sure to keep your home and car windows closed always
- Ensure you change your clothes in case you have been outdoors for a long time. A shower before going to bed will also help you.
Allergy treatments vary from person to person; therefore, it is recommended you consult a physician if you have persisting symptoms.