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Ragweed Tumbles In at Number 1
For many, changing seasons are a welcome delight. But for millions of Americans, fall is a battle with sneezing, wheezing, coughing, itchy eyes, runny noses and congestion. Ragweed is the main cause of fall allergies with each plant produces 1 billion pollen grains. With swirling winds, the pollen travels up to 400 miles from its original growth in our farm fields, along roadsides, and urban areas where there is disturbed soil. In addition to airway symptoms, many individuals with ragweed allergy also have symptoms when eating certain fresh fruits and vegetables called oral allergy syndrome (OAS) leading to itchiness and mild swelling around the mouth. This occurs when the body confuses the proteins in these foods with similar ones in ragweed. Common foods that trigger OAS in people with ragweed allergy include melons, cucmbers, sunflower seeds and bananas.
Mushrooms and Mold Spores
All of the leaves, grasses, and plants decompose eventually, often aided by molds. See all those mushrooms sprouting in your yard and mulch? Look closely at old leaves and branches. Many of the mildews and mushrooms use these plant parts to grow. The bracket fungi, commonly called shelf fungi, are important wood-rotting fungi found worldwide and persist through winter. One fruiting body can produce 11 billion spores in a week with counts peaking during night hours under damp conditions.
Tips for Feeling Better
• Keep windows closed day and night to keep pollen and mold spores from drifting into your home. Use the air conditioner, which filters and dries air.
• Stay indoors when pollen counts are highest, typically midday.
• Change your clothing after time spent outdoors and avoid drying laundry outside.
• Sleep well by taking a shower before bed to wash away pollen that has accumulated on your body or clothes.
• Over the counter salt water nasal rinses, antihistamines, decongestants and eye drops may help temporarily relieve symptoms.
• Allergy shots improve symptoms long-term for approximately 80% of patients, allowing a reduction in medication usage and enjoyment of life activities.
Feel better. Live better. The right care can mean the difference between battling your allergy symptoms and feeling good again. See an allergist to help make an accurate diagnosis, and help you understand your allergies so you can make the right decision to find relief and enjoy the seasons!
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Ragweed
