10 Worst Plants for Your Allergies
Ragweed Allergy
Ragweed is a weed that grows all over the United States. It's especially common in the Eastern and Midwestern states, and Alaska is the only state where it doesn't grow. It triggers ragweed allergy symptoms in many people.
Ragweed is an annual plant, so it grows for only one season. The plants start to grow in the spring, then flower in August or September in most parts of the U.S..
The particles of pollen from ragweed plants are tiny and easily carried around by the wind. A single ragweed plant can produce a billion grains of pollen.
Ragweed allergy season can run from late summer through November, depending on your location. (Photo Credit: iStock/Getty images)
What does ragweed look like?
Ragweed plants have spiky flowers that are dull green or yellowish, and the stems of the plant look hairy. The leaves are thin and divided, with lobes or "teeth" somewhat like fern leaves. Many branches grow from each stem of a ragweed plant.
Types of ragweed
Ragweed is part of the aster (asteraceae) family, which also includes daisies and sunflowers. Seventeen types of ragweed plants grow in North America. Among the species that are most common in the U.S. Are common ragweed and giant ragweed.
Common ragweed grows 1 to 3 feet tall, and its leaves look fern-like. Giant ragweed can grow from 3 to 12 feet tall, and its leaves are usually divided into three to five lobes.
Ragweed vs. Goldenrod
Goldenrod is another plant that's part of the aster family, and it blooms around the same time as ragweed. Goldenrod and ragweed plants look somewhat similar, so people sometimes confuse the two. But if you have allergy symptoms, they're most likely triggered by ragweed, not goldenrod. While it's possible to be allergic to goldenrod, its pollen isn't distributed through the air. So you'd have to have physical contact with the plant to trigger a reaction.
You can tell the two plants apart because goldenrod has bright yellow flowers that look fluffier than ragweed flowers, which are duller in color. And goldenrod has a single stem with the flowers concentrated at the top, while ragweed has more branches growing from the sides of the stem.
Because goldenrod pollen is heavier than that of ragweed, the wind can't carry it away. Goldenrod is a perennial plant, which means it grows back every year, and it's important for pollinators.
Ragweed map
Ragweed allergies are usually the worst in Eastern and Midwestern states, where the allergy season can last up to four months. In some Southern states, the ragweed season is shorter.
The most common ragweed species vary depending on the area.
A ragweed allergy is an allergic reaction to the pollen of the ragweed plant. When you have an allergic reaction, it's because your immune system perceives the pollen as a harmful substance that it needs to fight off. So your body releases a chemical called histamine that causes symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose.
If your allergies flare up in the late summer or early fall, you're probably allergic to ragweed. It's the most common trigger for hay fever.
How common are ragweed allergies?
About 1 out of 5 people have allergic reactions to ragweed when levels of its pollen in the air are high. In the U.S., almost 50 million people have ragweed allergy. Among environmental allergens, ragweed is one of the most common.
Ragweed season
Ragweed allergy season starts when ragweed plants are in bloom and releasing pollen and ends when cooler weather kills the plants. For most of the U.S., the season starts around July or August, peaks in mid-September, and lasts through October. For some areas in the South, including parts of Texas and Louisiana, ragweed allergy season is usually between August and November. Florida has the shortest season, from August to October.
In some areas, ragweed allergy season has gotten longer. This may be because of climate change, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
It's not clear why some people are allergic to ragweed and others aren't. But exposure to the plant's pollen is what triggers allergy symptoms. Ragweed grows in many areas, and its pollen spreads easily, so you may be unaware that you've been exposed.
The allergy symptoms are actually caused by the histamine your body releases in reaction to ragweed pollen, not the pollen itself.
Ragweed allergy risk factors
You might have a higher risk of ragweed allergy if you have:
Living in an area with high levels of ragweed pollen may also make you more likely to have a ragweed allergy.
If you have a ragweed allergy, your symptoms may include:
When you have symptoms like this in reaction to a seasonal pollen, it's called seasonal allergy rhinitis, or hay fever.
Ragweed rash
Sometimes, exposure to ragweed pollen can cause allergy symptoms on your skin in the form of hives or a rash. This is called ragweed rash. When you have ragweed rash, you might have itchy red streaks that may also be painful and later form blisters. You can get this rash 24 to 48 hours after being exposed to ragweed pollen, and it might last two to three weeks.
Severe ragweed allergy symptoms
The symptoms of ragweed allergy can range from mild to severe. A little bit of a stuffy nose can be a nuisance, but if you're really congested and constantly coughing or sneezing, these more serious symptoms could get in the way of your everyday activities.
If you have asthma and breathe in ragweed pollen, it can make your lungs and airways inflamed and swollen and lead to an asthma attack. You might have serious symptoms like:
If you think you have a ragweed allergy, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. They'll probably do a physical exam and ask about your health history and symptoms.
To confirm a ragweed allergy diagnosis, an allergist can do a skin prick or scratch test. This involves applying a small amount of ragweed pollen to your skin, scratching or pricking your skin with a needle, then waiting about 15 minutes to see if you have a reaction. If you have a ragweed allergy, your skin will become red, itchy, or swollen where the pollen was applied.
Another way allergists can diagnose ragweed allergy is by testing your blood for antibodies against ragweed pollen.
If allergy testing confirms that you have a ragweed allergy, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications or allergy shots.
Medications for ragweed allergy treatment include:
Your doctor also may recommend immunotherapy, or allergy shots, to treat ragweed allergy. Over the course of months or years, allergy shots help your body develop a tolerance to ragweed so it no longer triggers an allergic reaction. Another immunotherapy option is tablets you put under your tongue, which work the same way allergy shots do.
The best ragweed allergy medicine for you depends on the symptoms you have and how serious they are. If your symptoms are mild, for example, an over-the-counter antihistamine may be enough. But certain treatments may work better for some people than for others.
Sometimes, early treatment can help minimize ragweed allergy symptoms. If your doctor recommends this approach, you can start taking medications two weeks before ragweed season starts. That way, you can stop your allergic reactions before they start.
Because ragweed grows abundantly, avoiding it may be impossible. But there are ways to limit your exposure and lower your risk of ragweed allergy symptoms.
During ragweed allergy season, you should:
Check pollen counts. Limit the time you spend outdoors when ragweed pollen levels are high.
Avoid peak ragweed hours. Limit the time you spend outside between 10 a.M. And 3 p.M. Ragweed pollen counts are lower in the early morning and late afternoon.
Keep windows closed. At home and in the car, don't open the windows. Using central air conditioning with a HEPA filter will keep you cool and help filter out pollen.
Consider wearing a face mask and hat when you're outside. This can reduce the amount of pollen you breathe in and keep pollen from settling in your hair.
Change your clothes and wash your hands after you've been outside. Ragweed can stick to skin and clothing.
Avoid drying laundry outside. Ragweed pollen can settle on your laundry. Instead, dry your laundry in a dryer or on indoor racks or lines.
Try to reduce the pollen that comes into your home. Take your shoes off indoors to avoid tracking pollen in, and don't wear clothes to bed that you've worn for long periods outside.
How to track the ragweed pollen count
You can check ragweed pollen levels through the National Allergy Bureau, websites such as the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology, and through various pollen tracking apps. Some newspapers, local news sites, weather websites, and air quality monitoring sites also provide current or forecasted pollen levels. Some of these resources may provide a general pollen level — like low, medium, or high — rather than a specific number for the pollen count.
Ragweed allergy foods to avoid
For some people with ragweed allergies, eating foods that contain proteins similar to those found in ragweed pollen can worsen allergy symptoms. Possible triggers are:
When this happens, it's called oral allergy syndrome (OAS) or pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS). It can cause a tingly or itchy feeling in your mouth. Talk to your doctor if you think you may have this syndrome, and they can help figure out which foods to avoid.
Here are some things to know about ragweed:
Ragweed pollen travels easily. Because it's so light, the wind carries ragweed pollen a long way. Researchers have found ragweed pollen 2 miles up in the atmosphere and 400 miles out at sea.
Ragweed often grows along roadsides, in vacant lots, and along rivers.
Warm, breezy weather and humidity help release ragweed pollen.
Ragweed is worse when nights are cool and days are warm and dry.
The pollen season for ragweed and other weeds is usually from about July to October, while the pollen seasons for trees and grasses happen at other times of the year.
Some ragweed allergy symptoms are similar to cold symptoms, like stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and coughing. If you have both asthma and a ragweed allergy, it can cause severe symptoms.
Ragweed allergy is very common in the late summer and fall. It happens when your immune system overreacts to the pollen of the ragweed plant, which grows abundantly in most areas of the U.S. It's hard to completely avoid exposure to this weed, but there are ways to reduce your exposure as well as treatments that can ease your allergy symptoms.
How do you know if you have ragweed allergy?
Seasonal allergy symptoms can be similar to cold symptoms. To find out for sure whether you have a ragweed allergy, you can get a blood or skin test from an allergist.
In what month is ragweed the highest?
In most areas of the U.S., the height of ragweed allergy season is in September.
What is the best thing to take for ragweed allergies?
You can treat ragweed allergies with over-the-counter or prescription medications or allergy shots. But a treatment that works well for someone else may not work for you. Your doctor can recommend the best treatments for you to try.
What are the worst states for ragweed allergies?
States in the East and Midwest are typically the worst for ragweed allergy.
What is mistaken for ragweed?
Goldenrod is often mistaken for ragweed. It blooms at the same time of year and the two plants look somewhat alike. But goldenrod's pollen doesn't spread through the air, so it's much less likely to trigger allergies.
Where is ragweed most commonly found?
Ragweed is found all over the U.S.. It often grows on the side of the road, in riverbanks, and in vacant lots.
Why are ragweed allergies so bad?
One reason ragweed allergies are so bad is because ragweed pollen spreads easily and travels far, making it difficult to avoid. Some researchers say ragweed allergy season has become longer because of climate change.
How to get rid of ragweed?
If you have ragweed growing in your yard, you can pull it out. But wear gloves because ragweed can irritate your skin.
Grow And Go Experts Discuss: Allergies And Intolerances
Do you know how to spot the signs of a food allergy and what to do if an allergic reaction occurs? Some early educators may not feel confident when it comes to managing allergies and intolerances in ECEC settings.We spoke to dietitian Dr Clare Dix from The University of Queensland's School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences and The Grow&Go Toolbox to bring you the latest research and practical tips to support your families.
The Grow&Go Toolbox team recently released a new podcast that offers expert information on early childhood nutrition. Each episode focuses on a different nutrition topic and provides practical tips and advice. The dietitians were joined by Dr Merryn Netting from the National Allergy Council to discuss what food allergies and intolerances are, how they are diagnosed and managed, and how ECEC settings can manage allergies and intolerances.
In addition to the podcasts, the Grow&Go Toolbox team has co-created a range of resources with families and health and education professionals, including digital and paper-based resources that educators can use to assist with common queries and issues encountered during mealtimes in ECEC.
Allergies and intolerances: what are they and are they getting worse?
Food allergies are common, affecting around 5-10 per cent of children in Australia. The most common are egg, cow's milk, peanut, tree nuts, sesame, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for food allergies, and strict avoidance of the allergen is the only way to prevent a reaction. Educators need to be aware and prepared to respond to any allergic reactions, as anaphylaxis can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
What's the difference between an intolerance and an allergy?
Food intolerances and allergies are different. A food intolerance is a reaction to a carbohydrate or other food chemical, leading to issues like stomach upsets. In contrast, a food allergy involves the immune system reacting to a harmless protein. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, with anaphylaxis being the most severe that needs immediate treatment with adrenaline.
Allergy aware approach
Research shows that banning foods or using terms like 'nut-free' is not an effective strategy. For preventing or managing anaphylaxis in ECEC services, we need an allergy-aware approach.
This involves:
What does an allergic reaction look like?
The signs and symptoms of a food allergic reaction may occur almost immediately after eating or, most often, within 20 minutes to 2 hours after eating. Rapid onset and development of potentially life-threatening symptoms are characteristic markers of anaphylaxis. Allergic symptoms may initially appear mild or moderate but can progress very quickly. The most dangerous allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) involve the respiratory (breathing) system and/or cardiovascular (heart and blood pressure) system.
Mild to moderate allergic reaction
Severe allergic reaction – (also known as ANAPHYLAXIS)
What should you do if an allergic reaction occurs?
In case of mild to moderate allergic reactions, take the following actions:
For anaphylaxis, follow these actions:
If in doubt, administer the adrenaline injector. Commence CPR at any time if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
The adrenaline injector doses are:
Instructions are available on the device labels.
Supporting children and families with allergies and intolerances
Developing and maintaining an anaphylaxis management policy is crucial and should be reviewed and updated in the case of an allergic reaction. Updated medical information should be collected from any child with an allergy, and an individualised anaphylaxis care plan should be created, including a copy of the child's ASCIA Action Plan. If an allergic reaction occurs while the child is in the care of the CEC service, reporting is crucial to ensure a safe and well-managed environment.
Educating and training staff on preventing, recognising, and treating allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, is vital. Staff involved in meal preparation, serving, or supervision should also receive education and training on food allergen management which can be found at: https://allergyaware.Org.Au
Every centre should have one general-use adrenaline injector available to staff in case of previously unknown allergic reactions.
Educating children and your wider community
Educating your families and community and parents about managing anaphylaxis risk is important. Sharing information can help minimise risk. This could be in your newsletter, posters in your centre and so on. Strategies to reduce the risk of accidental exposure should be explored, and practical and effective approaches should be implemented.
Age-appropriate allergy education
We can read books and talk to children about they can help keep their friends safe. Some centres may include allergy information as part of a doctor/hospital area or kitchens.
These tips, and many more, are shared in the Grow&Go Toolbox Podcast episode titled Allergies and Intolerances. Access it on YouTube here, or via Spotify here.
Resources that support this episode include:
For more advice or support visit the Grow&Go Toolbox at www.Growandgotoolbox.Com or follow us on social media.
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Our Sense Of Smell Detects Odors In Less Time Than It Takes To Blink
Have you ever wondered why the smell of freshly baked bread or sizzling bacon can pull you out of bed instantly before dawn? Or how we can distinguish between thousands of different odors and smells? The simple answer lies in the incredible and underappreciated power of our olfactory system.
Sense of smell and odor detectionCommonly, we think of our sense of smell, or olfaction, as a slow sense. This notion stems from the process through which we perceive odors.
When we breathe in, airborne chemicals (that gives a substance its distinctive smell) enter our noses, and are subsequently expelled when we exhale.
A single breath, lasting 3-5 seconds, seems to limit how quickly we can detect smells. Any chemical changes that happen within a single breath end up being perceived as a single odor.
However, a groundbreaking study led by Dr. ZHOU Wen from the Institute of Psychology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is presenting us with a whole new perspective.
Blink-speed olfactory sensePublished in the renowned publication Nature Human Behaviour, the study proved that our olfactory perception could pick up subtle chemical changes within the duration of a single sniff, challenging the earlier understanding of our sense of smell.
To prove this, Dr. Zhou's team ingeniously developed a sniff-triggered device (imagine a high-tech version of the "smell-o-vision").
This device controls the delivery of odors with a remarkable precision of 18 milliseconds — the length of a frame on a standard LCD screen.
Smelling and odor compoundsThe team conducted five experiments involving 229 participants. Using their device, they introduced the participants to a sequence of two odors, with meticulously calculated delays.
The participants' objective? To see if they could distinguish between the two different smells.
The results were astounding. Participants could tell the difference between two odor compounds, even when the delay between each odor was a mere 60 milliseconds. That's just a third of the time it takes for your eyes to blink!
What's even more interesting is that the participants' ability to distinguish odors was not influenced by odor intensity, pleasantness, pungency, or the total amount of odorant molecules in a single sniff. It purely depended on the temporal separation of the two odors.
Decoding the odor identityWhat does all of this mean? Well, these findings hint at the existence of a temporal code for odor identity.
"A sniff of odors is not a long exposure shot of the chemical environment that averages out temporal variations. Rather, it incorporates a temporal sensitivity on par with that for color perception," Dr. Zhou states.
This research paves the way to study further temporal aspects of olfactory perception and develop advanced olfactory displays.
Smell and odor perceptionThe implications of this research extend far beyond the confines of laboratory settings and provide intriguing insights into how scent influences human behavior and interaction.
Recognizing the olfactory system's capacity to distinguish subtle chemical differences rapidly could revolutionize industries reliant on scent, such as food and beverage, perfumes, and even healthcare.
By leveraging a deeper understanding of temporal odor perception, professionals could refine flavor development, enhance the design of fragrances, and improve the realm of scent-based therapies.
Furthermore, this study invites additional interdisciplinary collaboration to explore how scents play a role in forming memories and emotional states, encouraging further integration between neuroscience, psychology, and the arts.
Future olfactory researchWhile the findings present a captivating shift in our comprehension of olfactory capabilities, they also sow seeds for future research.
What underlying neural mechanisms enable such swift odor discrimination? How do these processes vary among individuals or across different species?
These questions beckon a fresh wave of scientific inquiries aimed at unraveling the complexities of scent perception.
As technology continues to advance, researchers may develop even more precise tools for examining the temporal dynamics of olfaction.
By diving deeper into this sensory dimension, scientists aspire to unlock novel applications and technologies, potentially transforming how we interact with and perceive our aromatic environment.
Mysteries beyond smell and odorWhile we now know more about the speed of our sense of smell, this only scratches the surface of our olfactory system's capabilities.
It opens up a whole new world of questions — could our alertness to smells give us evolutionary advantages? How does the brain process these smells so rapidly?
Next time you take a deep breath, remember, it's not just air you're sniffing in. It's a concoction of fine, nuanced odors, processed and perceived in the blink of an eye.
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This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation.
The study is published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.
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