Most people develop a ragweed allergy after being repeatedly exposed to its pollen, Segal said. Over time, the body’s immune system begins to treat the allergen as an unsafe germ or substance that needs to be fought away, like a typical infection.
This overreaction by the immune system causes allergy symptoms and complications for people managing chronic diseases like asthma, Segal said.
“Asthma patients could have increased coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath,” he said. “So, fall can be a time when people’s asthma becomes poorly controlled.”
Some children and adults may experience mild ragweed allergy symptoms, but Segal said others can experience a stronger reaction that disrupts their daily lives.
“It can account for a lot of missed work, missed school for kids, medication expenses,” he said. “These are some of the hidden costs.”
How can people reduce and manage their symptoms?
Ragweed pollen tends to be highest during midday, Segal said, so avoiding outdoor activities and exercise during those peak hours can be a good tactic.
People who need to be outside can wear sunglasses to prevent some pollen from coming into direct contact with their eyes, he said, and wearing masks can help cut down on the amount of pollen someone breathes in.
Over-the-counter nondrowsy antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays are very effective in helping people manage their symptoms, he said. These are the same medications and brands that people use for tree and grass allergies in the spring.
However, those medications might not work for some people, Segal said. They might be good candidates for other long-term treatment options like allergen immunotherapy, which could help reduce the body’s sensitivity to ragweed and other allergens.
“They don’t take immediate effect, but they can, over time, make people less allergic, less symptomatic, reduce medication demands,” he said.