Ragweed is probably one of the worst known environmental allergens which doctors to see, and it is estimated that up to 10 percent of Americans have it. "It's everywhere - on our clothes, the foods we eat, our cars, even our hands," says Mary E. Zuber, MD, a dermatologist in Scarsville, Utah. "We know that ragweed has the potential to cause problems for people who suffer from asthma or allergic rhinitis." What's more, the extent of the problem is probably under-recognized, since many patients do not realize they're prone to ragweed until it is too late. Unfortunately, the extent of the problem may also be under-treated, because doctors are less likely to look for skin rashes, itchy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, and chest congestion - all classic signs of ragweed allergy in humans.
Even in areas where ragweed allergy is not common, the plant can still be a big problem, especially during ragweed season (also called autumn leaf fever) when it launches an all-out assault on the plant's roots. "When the leaves first drop, the effect is like being hit by a sledgehammer, literally," says Dr. David A. Larson, a research scientist at the University of Montana's extension services. "There is a strong release of histamine, which is one of the chemicals involved in the allergic reaction." This release of histamine is actually the cause of histamine-related bronchial asthma attacks.
During ragweed season, allergists are particularly alarmed because ragweed starts growing rapidly in the fall as temperatures start falling. "All the trees and shrubs are growing much faster than they're able to grow in the warm months, and that means that they are more susceptible to damage from insects and fungal infections that can lead to allergy attacks and asthma attacks," says Dr. Larson. To keep people safe, experts recommend using an insect repellant whenever outside. During the ragweed season, wear clothing that provides some protection from the sun and that is also lightweight so that you don't heat up too much. Allergy medications should only be used at bedtime or when your allergy symptoms become too bad to bear.
In the last two decades or so, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of cases related to ragweed and its many varieties in North America. While it has always been considered a nuisance, there have been more reports of its presence in the past few years. One reason for this is the expanding use of agricultural products derived from plants, which can contain traces of ragweed. Another reason is that although North American governments are not putting any special effort into preventing ragweed from becoming a nuisance, the countries that export the majority of North American corn and soybeans have implemented regulations that were designed to control and limit exposure to the allergen.
The National Institutes of Health has found that ragweed plants contain some compounds that can trigger allergic reactions in the upper respiratory tract. Two of these chemicals, called Alliin and Allylparaben, have been found to be particularly harmful to those with pre-existing allergy symptoms. The two chemicals can cause a narrowing of the airway or the inflammation of the nasal linings, which can lead to increased susceptibility to allergy symptoms such as sneezing and coughing. In addition to these symptoms, researchers have found that ragweed plants can also produce histamines, which can cause and increase the amount of allergen airborne in the air.
While the exact role that ragweed plants play in the development of allergy-related problems is still not known, there are several things that researchers have determined about them. For instance, they have been found to grow in areas that are often infested with grass and weeds, making it more difficult to remove the plant. They are also highly resistant to chemical treatment, meaning that herbicides and pesticides are not effective. Finally, the plants are extremely robust and can grow up to 60 times their normal size. This means that they can easily spread to surrounding vegetation and lead to additional problems for farmers.
During ragweed season, the best thing that you can do to ensure that you and your family are safe from the irritating plant is to keep your windows shut and your doors closed. In addition to keeping your windows closed, you should keep your doors and garage door shut as well. Even if you live in a warm climate where the plants seldom grow, you should still refrain from going outside. This is because even when outside temperatures are fine, pollen counts are going to be higher inside than outside.
If you suffer from any type of allergy, ragweed plants can be extremely annoying. While you cannot completely avoid them, you can greatly reduce your chances of reacting to ragweed plants by staying indoors when they are growing. Remember, while you may not be allergic to them, pollen counts are going to be much higher inside than outside, leading to increased nasal symptoms and other allergic reactions.