Rising Ragweed Levels Means Fall Allergy Season Is Near | Health Info

TUESDAY, September 7, 2021 (HealthDay News) – While some may think of scents like cinnamon or pumpkin spice when the season falls, others breathe something much less pleasant.

Fall is also the allergy season for those susceptible to ragweed.

“A spike in ragweed tends to mark the informal start of the fall allergy season, which typically begins in mid-August,” said Dr. Rachna Shah, allergist at Loyola Medicine in Maywood, Ill. . “This time of year we see fewer tree and grass allergens and more mold and weed allergens.”

Shah, who oversees Loyola Medicine’s daily allergy count, shared information and tips to help those whose allergies are emerging now.

Seasonal treatment protocols should begin as soon as possible, Shah advised. They can take a week or more to trigger. These include prescriptions, over-the-counter allergy medications, and steroid-based nasal sprays.

“Allergy symptoms can make asthma worse, causing difficulty breathing, so it’s important that you have all of your asthma tools on hand,” Shah said in a health system press release. “Make sure your inhaler is up to date, has not expired, that you have extra inhalers and refills on hand, and that you are taking preventative measures. “

Keep windows closed on high allergy days and rinse or change clothes after being outside. Modify activities on days when allergen levels are particularly high. Pollen counts are particularly high from dawn to 10 a.m., so move outdoor activities later in the day.

“Patients who are still suffering from allergy symptoms after following their treatment protocols, taking preventative measures and / or changing their daily activities should be evaluated by a doctor,” Shah noted.

Symptoms of seasonal allergies include itchy eyes, itchy nose, sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, itchy or bursting ears, postnasal drip, and throat irritation. Some allergy symptoms mirror those of COVID-19, so people with seasonal allergies should be especially vigilant when sticking to treatment plans and precautions, Shah recommended.

“We saw some allergy symptoms overlap with COVID-19 during the height of the pandemic last year, including congestion, runny nose, headaches and throat irritation,” Shah said. “As we face another peak in COVID-19, it is a good reminder to have your allergy preventative treatment plan in place.”

SOURCE: Loyola Medicine, press release, August 27, 2021

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