The ragweed season typically runs from the end of summer through the beginning of October. Ragweed pollen causes allergy symptoms in around 23 million people in the United States beginning sometime in the month of August. People who suffer from both allergies and asthma are more likely to have noticeable allergy symptoms.
Is there ragweed in Alabama?
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Who is prepared for the quantities of pollen to skyrocket? Nobody, as should be quite clear, is going to be the correct response. The month of August will unfortunately go in exactly the same manner, and that is exactly what will happen.
Later in this week, ragweed and mold counts will be high, and it is expected that they will remain high throughout the month of October. (News from WSFA 12) The amounts of plant pollen, namely ragweed pollen, are known to increase throughout the Southeast on an annual basis between the middle of August and the middle of October.
That undoubtedly includes the state of Alabama. As a result, the fact that ragweed populations are expanding shouldn’t really come as much of a shock to anyone. As a result of this happening, grass pollen will cease to exist. Therefore, if you are someone who suffers from it, you will feel some alleviation.
If, on the other hand, you are allergic to ragweed, it is imperative that you take the necessary measures. It wouldn’t hurt to be cautious in case you are around someone who is allergic to ragweed. Even if you aren’t sure whether or not you battle with ragweed allergies, it wouldn’t harm to be cautious.
Things such as. are included in this category. Trying to spend as little time as possible outside between the hours of around 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Taking advantage of the air conditioning and spending time there You should wash your clothing as soon as you go back inside after wearing them outside.
Keeping shoes outside of the house Maintaining drugs in a state of readiness for usage Regularly using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to clean the house on a weekly basis Keeping away from some foods and plants that contain proteins that are similar to those found in ragweed It is a very essential part of the daily weather forecast during the days of late summer and early fall since up to 23 million people suffer from allergies caused by the many forms of ragweed.
This condition is also known as hay fever. The ragweed season, in addition to the mold season, is likely to become an even bigger hassle during the following two months. (News from WSFA 12) If you want to reduce your exposure to ragweed, look for days in the forecast where there is a chance of rain.
You might also want to explore going outside later in the day, if that’s an option. Due to the temperatures that are now being experienced in Central Alabama, it is highly doubtful that the ragweed season will be over by the middle of October. That may be an overestimation given that it may continue into November if we maintain higher temperatures and steer clear of cool weather in October.
Mold counts are something else that should be taken into consideration at this time of year. Mold is another material to which a significant number of people in Alabama are allergic, and it just so happens that the mold problem tends to be at its worst around this time of year. 
What time of year does ragweed cause allergies?
The Facts About Ragweed – Ragweed is the allergen that produces symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and stuffy or runny noses. In addition to that, it can bring on an asthma attack. People who are allergic to ragweed respond to the pollen that the plant produces.
- During the time of year when ragweed is prevalent, a single plant is capable of dispersing one billion individual grains into the atmosphere.
- When the nights are chilly and the days are warm and dry, ragweed is more likely to grow.
- The season typically begins in early August and continues until the middle of October.
There are scholars who believe that the season could be getting longer due to climate change. Everywhere in the U.S. has ragweed. Although it is most prevalent in the East and the Midwest, it may be found in every state. Ragweed pollen is very light and easily carried by the wind due to its widespread distribution.
How long does ragweed season last in Alabama?
The ragweed season typically runs from the end of summer through the beginning of October. Ragweed pollen causes allergy symptoms in around 23 million people in the United States beginning sometime in the month of August. People who suffer from both allergies and asthma are more likely to have noticeable allergy symptoms.
What causes allergies in August in Alabama?
Grass pollen causes the majority of allergic reactions throughout the summer months in Alabama. Timothy, Johnson, Bermuda, sweet vernal, and orchard are among the species that contribute the most to this phenomenon. A small number of weeds, such as the Russian thistle and the English plantain, also produce pollen throughout the summer months.
Is it allergy season in Alabama?
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – It is not a secret that the pollen count this spring in Central Alabama has been over the roof, and therefore, so have the allergy symptoms. The question that everyone is dying to know the answer to is, “When will it be better?” Unfortunately we are in the heart of the worst time of year for many people who suffer from pollen allergies.
- It’s the tree pollen that is causing your troubles, and it has been nasty since the beginning of March owing to a range of circumstances – early season bloom, weather that has promoted pollen, among others.
- It does not appear like things will get better until the second part of May at the earliest.
- The most prevalent allergies in Alabama, broken down by month.
(WSFA 12 News) Tree pollen is lightweight and may move quite effectively through the air. Combine with that highly allergenic trees like oak, pecan, elm, juniper, maple, poplar, and sycamore and you’re got the formula for lots of sneezing and wheezing.
You will discover that there is a discernible reduction in the quantity of tree pollen by the third week of May. If you have been experiencing discomfort so far this spring, this is excellent news for you since the types of pollen that are present in the air will be shifting. The news might not be so good for you if you have an allergy to the pollen from grasses.
Grass pollen can also be a significant source of discomfort. Many individuals, similar to those who are allergic to tree pollen, have a reaction to grass pollen in some form or another. The grass pollen season typically begins in the final week of April and continues through the warmer months of the summer.
Pollen and allergy season information for the year 2021. (News from WSFA 12) The worst of the grass pollen season typically occurs from the beginning of May through the beginning of August, although it can last as late as late September in some regions of Alabama. However, that’s not the end of it! In addition, the pollen from weeds can be a significant source of trouble in Alabama and the states that are nearby.
The height of the weed pollen season often begins in July and continues through the months of August, September, and in some years, the first half of October. Ragweed is the most problematic allergen in this group, and it can cause significant issues for people who suffer from allergies throughout the latter part of summer and the beginning of fall.
Because of its temperature and the wide variety of plant species that are found across the state, Alabama is one of the worst states for people who suffer from allergies. As a consequence of this, there are not simply a few of months each year with significant issues caused by pollen; rather, there are 7-8 months.
Even though it is difficult to predict whether or not the pollen from grass and weeds will be as outrageous as the pollen from trees has been so far, there are certain things you can do to treat your pollen allergies to the greatest extent possible. Among those are the following: 
On days with a high pollen count, you should try to avoid spending time outside between the hours of 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. Keep your hands away from your face. Take a shower before retiring for the night. When you come in from the outside, you should always change your clothes.
- Do the laundry that needs to be done on the garments that have been worn outside during the early morning and early afternoon.
- Consider starting allergy treatment early, before the pollen count is dangerously high.
- Put on a cap and some sunglasses.
- Make sure you check the pollen prediction every day.
- It is quite unlikely that you will ever be fully free of your pollen allergies no matter what steps you take.
You can make it more comfortable for you to spend time outside by giving as many of the things that were stated above a go as you can. This is what you can do. If you are aware of the exact pollen that causes your allergies, you may consult this Alabama pollen calendar to see when the greatest levels of that pollen are generally present.
Why are my allergies worse in the fall?
ALLERGIES IN THE FALL Ragweed pollen is the cause of many of the typical allergy symptoms that occur in the fall. Pollen is produced from August through November by this plant, which may be found growing all throughout the United States. The middle of September is often when the maximum levels of ragweed pollen are observed.3 Mold is another common factor that might bring on allergy symptoms in the fall.
Molds are types of fungus, but they are not the same as the ones you eat in salads. Molds flourish in surroundings that are moist and humid. Mold thrives in the decaying leaves of autumn, which, unfortunately for people who suffer from allergies, releases spores into the air that can then reproduce. These microscopic spores are typically to blame for allergy symptoms such as stuffy noses, runny noses, sneezing, and watery, itchy eyes that are common among allergy patients.4 Tap this link if you want to learn everything there is to know about the autumn allergy season and what you can do to combat it.
Both spring and fall bring their fair share of allergens that can cause discomfort. Which season is more difficult for someone with allergies depends largely on the type of allergens they are sensitive to as well as their overall level of sensitivity.
How do you deal with fall allergies?
You might also give an over-the-counter medication a shot. It’s possible to get relief from allergy symptoms using a wide variety of over-the-counter drugs. They are as follows:
- Oral antihistamines. Antihistamines are able to provide relief for a variety of allergy symptoms, including sneezing, itching, a stuffy or runny nose, and watery eyes. Oral antihistamines come in the form of medications like cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy), loratadine (Allegra Allergy), and fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy) (Claritin, Alavert).
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays. These drugs alleviate the discomfort caused by nasal symptoms. Examples of such medications are fluticasone propionate (which is the active ingredient in Flonase Allergy Relief), budesonide (which is the active ingredient in Rhinocort Allergy), and triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24 Hour). Discuss your usage of corticosteroid nasal sprays for an extended period of time with your primary care physician.
- Cromolyn sodium nasal spray. By preventing the production of immune system molecules that are responsible for symptoms, this nasal spray can help to alleviate allergy symptoms. It is recommended that therapy be begun before allergen exposure for the greatest results. However, in order for it to be effective, it often requires application between four and six times a day.
- Oral decongestants. Oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine (which is sold under the brand name Sudafed) might offer momentary relief from stuffiness in the nose. Some allergy treatments include a decongestant in addition to an antihistamine in their formulation. Cetirizine-pseudoephedrine, also known as Zyrtec-D 12 Hour, fexofenadine-pseudoephedrine, also known as Allegra-D 12 Hour Allergy and Congestion, and loratadine-pseudoephedrine are some examples of these types of medications (Claritin-D). Have a discussion with your primary care physician about the possibility of using a decongestant as a treatment for the allergy symptoms you are experiencing.
Which antihistamine is best for ragweed?
Antihistamines like ZYRTEC ® begin to act in as little as an hour, and they have the potential to give significant relief from the symptoms of your ragweed allergy day in and day out.
What foods make ragweed allergy worse?
People often experience comfort when they cut back on items like gluten and typical dairy products, which are known to stimulate the creation of mucus. In addition, if you know that you are sensitive to ragweed, you should avoid eating melons, bananas, cucumbers, and sunflower seeds since these foods might create allergic reactions in your body and make seasonal allergies worse.
Does Benadryl help ragweed allergy?
Medications – Some examples of medicines that might help relieve symptoms are as follows: Antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl); decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or oxymetazoline; and inhalers, such as nebulizers or humidifiers (Afrin nasal spray) drugs that contain an antihistamine and a decongestant, such as Actifed and Claritin-D nasal corticosteroids, such as fluticasone (Flonase) or mometasone (Nasonex), nasal corticosteroids, such as mometasone (Nasonex), nasal corticosteroids, such as mometasone (Nasonex), nasal cor If you find that over-the-counter medications aren’t helping, talk to your primary care physician about prescription options.
How do you get rid of ragweed allergies?
Drugs for Allergies Available Over-the-Counter (OTC) There are a number of medications that are available over-the-counter that can assist reduce the symptoms of ragweed allergies. According to Dr. Wright, therapies for common environmental allergens include antihistamines that may be purchased over-the-counter, nasal steroids, and eye drops, which should be used as directed.
- Antihistamines are drugs that help alleviate the symptoms of allergies by preventing the production of histamines.
- Antihistamines that are available over-the-counter include Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec.
- These drugs assist decrease inflammation in the nasal passages and are referred to as nasal steroids.
Both Flonase and Nasacort are available over-the-counter as nasal steroids. Eye drops are a type of medicine that can help reduce symptoms such as itching and watery eyes. Visine, Zaditor, and Alaway are all over-the-counter eye drops that you may purchase.
How do you prevent ragweed allergies?
During the Ragweed Season, Protecting Yourself from the Pollen’s Effects by Wearing a Mask and Sunglasses May Help – The COVID-19 epidemic taught us a number of valuable lessons, one of which was that masks serve a variety of purposes. Not only may they minimize your exposure to ragweed pollen, but they can also help reduce the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
If you go outside while wearing a mask, you can prevent pollen particles from entering your nose and lungs, which will reduce the likelihood that you may have symptoms. Sunglasses can also shield your eyes from the irritating effects of ragweed pollen. Pollen has the potential to irritate one’s eyes, causing them to moisten and scratch.
Consider wearing a hat as well, since this can help keep the pollen out of your hair.
Where is ragweed found?
How does ragweed appear, and where does it typically grow? The ragweed flower, when it is in full bloom, has yellow-green petals and rests on long green stalks, which are topped with huge leaves that are spiked. Ragweed plants can be found growing in open fields, gardens, waste areas, and along the sides of highways across the United States; however, they are more prevalent in the eastern and midwestern states.
What is ragweed and what does it look like?
What is Ragweed? Although there are around 17 different forms of ragweed found in North America, the two species that are found the most frequently are the most common. The characteristics of ragweed, including its appearance, where it may be found growing, and the reason its pollen is so mobile are described in the following paragraphs.
- The giant ragweed is a plant that may grow up to 18 feet tall.
- Image courtesy of Thinkstock The common ragweed, also known as Ambrosia artemisiifolia, can grow to a height of anywhere between a few inches and six feet.
- It develops into long tendrils that grow vertically, and its leaves are lobed and split into many little lobes.
When it flowers, it produces rows of distinctive off-white blooms that resemble inverted tea cups. These blooms emerge on the plant in clusters. When compared to common ragweed, the leaves of the giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) are smaller and more rounded, and they typically have three distinct lobes, but they can have as many as five.
- These plants may reach a height of up to 18 feet and have hanging stacks of blooms in an inverted position.
- Ragweed, which can grow even in soil that is deficient in nutrients, is a particular nuisance for farmers since it is not as finicky as other types of plants.
- Researchers in agriculture have received reports from farmers in numerous states who have discovered types of ragweed that are resistant to glyphosate, which is one of the herbicides that is used the most frequently.
Not only does it appear to be able to flourish in almost any environment, but each annual weed plant also generates massive amounts of pollen, typically numbering in the millions of grains. This pollen is capable of traveling thousands of kilometers after it has detached from its parent plant due to its aerodynamic design.
- According to Weber, the pollen grains are discharged in clumps, and these clumps are kept together by a sticky material known as pollenkitt.
- Because of the movement of the air, these clumps are able to separate into their component grains and get dispersed across a large area.
- Ragweed pollen grains are extremely strong, which is unfortunate for people who are allergic to them because even low levels of exposure (less than one pollen particle per cubic foot) can cause allergic reactions.
The florets of ragweed even feature a mechanism that resembles a bottlebrush, which makes it possible for the plant to expel every single unpleasant pollen grain.
What is ragweed pollen?
What Is Ragweed? – Ragweed is a type of weed that can be found growing all across the United Areas, but particularly in the states located in the Midwest and the East. There is just one growing season for each plant. However, a single plant is capable of producing up to one billion individual pollen grains.
During the middle of August, ragweed blooms begin to develop and produce pollen as the evenings become longer. The pollen is more easily dispersed when there is warm weather, high humidity, and winds after daybreak. After that, the pollen is carried through the air to another plant, where it fertilizes the seed in order to produce a new plant the following year.
In most cases, ragweed may be seen growing in rural locations. In the immediate vicinity of the plants, the maximum pollen levels are observed just after sunrise. The discharge of pollen is slowed down by precipitation and morning temperatures that are lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pollen from ragweed may travel significant distances. It has been discovered in the sky at a height of two miles and at a distance of 400 miles out to sea. However, the majority of it occurs near its origin. Ragweed may be readily outcompeted by lawn grasses and other types of perennial plants. Ragweed will grow, however, in areas where the soil has been disturbed by agriculture, water, or chemicals (such as when roads are salted in the winter).
It is common to find it near the edges of highways and rivers, as well as in empty lots and fields. If the conditions are appropriate, dormant seeds that have been in the soil for decades may germinate and develop into plants.