AN AIRBORNE ALLERGEN

Ragweed plants are weeds that grow throughout the United States but are more common in the East and Midwest.  These plants live for just one season, yet each plant is capable of producing as many as a billion pollen grains.  At the end of summer, ragweed flowers release their pollen and much of it becomes airborne.  Ragweed pollen is minuscule and can travel long distances from rural areas into cities.  People who suffer from a ragweed allergy develop allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and throat irritation.  These symptoms can interfere with normal sleep patterns and also affect attentiveness at work or school.  When local pollen counts are high, outdoor activities might need to be avoided.

P.S.  Seventeen species of ragweed are known to grow in North America, and 75 percent of people with pollen allergies are allergic to ragweed.

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