Weed allergy is caused due to the pollen produced by the weeds. A single weed plant can produce millions of pollen which can cause an allergy. Among the weeds, the ragweed is the biggest culprit . Ragweed can produce up to 1 billion pollen grains. These ragweed pollen can travel distances of more than 400 miles and cause allergy.
Symptoms of Weed Allergy:
The allergy caused due to pollen is also known as hay fever. Here are some of the symptoms:
- Runny/Itchy nose
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Irritation of the eyes
- Itchy throat
- Puffy eyes
Allergy-Causing Weeds:
Ragweed, dock weed, aster, dandelion, mugwort, nettle, pigweed, clover, rabbit brush, sagebrush, California poppy, smotherweed, plantain, and cattail are some of the common allergy-causing weeds.
How to Prevent Weed Allergy?
The pollen count is helpful in knowing the amount of airborne pollen present in the particular area. By checking your pollen count, you can stay indoors when the pollen count is high. Here are few tips to prevent weed allergy:
- Stay indoors when the pollen count is high
- Use HEPA-enabled filters in your home which can filter out the pollen
- Vacuum your home with HEPA-enabled vacuum cleaner
- After coming from outdoors, change your clothes as the pollen may stick to your clothing. You can also wash your hair to get rid of the pollen
- Use masks and goggles when outdoors
Treating Weed Allergy:
Antihistamines may help in relieving the symptoms caused due to hay fever. Allergy shots or immunotherapy is a long-term option to treat weed allergy.
If you suspect that you have weed allergy, do consult your allergist and get yourself tested. Skin prick test or blood tests can help in determining if you have allergy. Weed allergy can be bothersome, but proper precaution and care can help you to overcome your allergy.
