In Hungary, nearly three million people suffer from allergy, and one third of them are affected by ragweed. Symptoms can be reduced with medication and precautions, and allergy tests can help make accurate diagnosis.
We cannot cover our noses
Our immune system defends against viruses, bacteria and other pathogens throughout our lives. Allergy, however, is a strong reaction of the hypersensitive body to otherwise harmless substances – pollen, animal hair, house dust, etc. – that would not trigger a reaction in a healthy body. This causes histamine release, which lead to mild inflammation in the body.
In the case of ragweed allergy, the substance that causes symptoms is the airborne pollen of the plant, which is less effective to protect against because it is inhaled and we have to breathe it in outdoors. It is a misconception that travelling to the seaside avoids the discomfort caused by ragweed, as pollen particles can ‘travel’ up to a thousand kilometers on the wind.
From sneezing to asthma
Ragweed is a biennial, heat-sensitive weed whose seeds survive the cold winter weather and germinate in masses in spring. Flowering – and the start of allergy season – begins in mid to late July in Hungary and symptoms can last until mid-October. Symptoms can range from runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy nose and eyes, watery eyes, sneezing, throat and skin itching to hives and intestinal upset, but if left untreated the disease can also lead to complications such as chronic sinusitis or asthma. People allergic to ragweed can also suffer from cross-allergies, where eating certain fresh fruits or vegetables can trigger a hypersensitivity reaction. It is important for people to start taking their medication before the season starts, avoid areas heavily contaminated with pollen if possible, wash their hair more often and change their bed linen.
Blood tests can help make diagnosis
Ragweed allergy can be suspected partly on the basis of the seasonal appearance of the symptoms described above, but allergy tests can help make accurate diagnosis. HR-Pharma offers Allergy PLUS package, which is now available at a discount at the start of ragweed season. Antibodies (IgE) produced by the most common respiratory and food allergens are tested following a blood test.