Allergies and Ragweed...

It's that time of year again. You see it and you feel it. The
itchy and watery eyes, the runny nose, the sneezing, a bit of a
tight feeling in your chest. It's allergy season - again!

In the springtime we deal with the trees coming into bloom.
This time of year the allergy culprit is ragweed. Ragweed is a
weed that pollinates in late summer and fall. It's been a very
hot and dry August, perfect weather conditions for ragweed to
flourish. The ragweed season lasts up to eight weeks and
generally peaks in mid September.

75% of Americans who suffer from allergies are allergic to
ragweed. Some people who suffer with a ragweed allergy may also
find themselves allergic to bananas or cantaloups.

There is no cure for ragweed allergies. The best way to lessen
symptoms of ragweed allergies, as with any allergy, is to avoid
contact with the allergen. However, this can be difficult as
ragweed pollen is in the air we must breath. It's not as easy
as avoiding your friend's cat.

Most medical professionals suggest an over the counter
decongestant or antihistamine to treat the symptoms associated
with seasonal allergies.

However, if over the counter medications do not provide enough
relief allergy shots, or what is called immunotherapy would be
in order. A skin patch test would be performed to determine the
exact allergens causing problems and serum would be created with
small amounts of those allergens. Regular shots would be given.
Most immunotherapy treatments last up to two years before
maximum benefit is achieved.

In some severe cases people who also have asthma find their
asthma is made worse by exposure to ragweed pollen. It has been
found that some asthma suffers benefit from receiving
immunotherapy and that over time this therapy can result in
less frequent and less severe asthma attacks.


About The Author: This article courtesy of
http://www.about-allergies.net