Key Takeaways
- Ragweed pollen is the main cause of fall allergies, and a single ragweed plant can release up to 1 billion pollen grains.
- Common symptoms include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and coughing.
- Ragweed allergy symptoms can last for weeks after the first frost, so it is not always safe to stop treatment right away.
- Allergy testing and allergy shots can bring long-term relief when over-the-counter medicines are not enough.
- Prima CARE's allergy and immunology team helps patients from Westport, Fall River and across the South Coast find real relief from seasonal allergies. Request an appointment to get tested.
Request an Appointment With Prima CARE
What Is Ragweed and Why Does It Cause Fall Allergies?
Ragweed is a common weed that grows in fields, along roadsides and in empty lots. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology's ragweed allergy page, ragweed pollen is the primary cause of fall allergies. Each plant lives only one season, but a single plant can produce up to 1 billion pollen grains.
Those grains are very light. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's guide to preparing for ragweed season notes that each grain can travel more than 100 miles. That means you can react to ragweed even if none grows near your home in Westport.
When Is Ragweed Season?
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) says ragweed blooms in August in most of the country. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) adds that fall allergy symptoms used to run from mid-August through September, but in many areas they now start in early August and last through October.
Even after cooler weather arrives, symptoms may hang on. ACAAI notes that nasal and eye symptoms can linger after pollen is no longer in the air, and it suggests waiting several weeks after the first frost before stopping allergy medicine.
Common Ragweed Allergy Symptoms
Ragweed allergy is a type of hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis. That is when your immune system overreacts to something harmless, like pollen. Symptoms may include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy throat or ears
- Coughing or postnasal drip
- Tiredness from poor sleep
Ragweed and Asthma
According to the Allergy & Asthma Network's ragweed allergy guide, ragweed pollen can make asthma symptoms flare up. If you have wheezing, chest tightness or trouble breathing during allergy season, talk with your provider. Prima CARE's pulmonary medicine team also helps patients manage asthma.
Fall Allergies vs. a Cold: How to Tell the Difference
| Feature | Ragweed Allergy | Common Cold |
|---|---|---|
| Itchy eyes | Common | Rare |
| Fever or body aches | No | Sometimes |
| Mucus | Usually clear and thin | May thicken or change color |
| How long it lasts | Weeks, as long as you are exposed to pollen | Usually 7 to 10 days |
| Timing | Same time every year | Any time, often after being around sick people |
If you are not sure and feel sick enough to need care today, Prima CARE's walk-in clinics, including the Westport Walk-in Center on Main Road, can help.
How to Ease Ragweed Allergy Symptoms at Home
- Start medicine early. ACAAI recommends taking allergy medicine before symptoms begin each season.
- Watch pollen counts. AAAAI's National Allergy Bureau tracks pollen counts by region, so you can plan time outdoors.
- Keep windows closed. Use air conditioning at home and in the car.
- Rinse off pollen. Shower and change clothes after spending time outside.
- Rinse your nose. A saline rinse can wash pollen out of your nasal passages.
When to See an Allergy Doctor
ACAAI advises seeing an allergist if you cannot find relief from nasal allergy symptoms. Make an appointment if:
- Over-the-counter medicines do not control your symptoms
- Allergies make it hard to sleep, work or enjoy the outdoors
- You get frequent sinus infections
- Allergies trigger asthma symptoms
- You want to know exactly what you are allergic to
If you have ongoing sinus problems, Prima CARE's ear, nose and throat (ENT) team can also help.
Allergy Testing and Allergy Shots at Prima CARE
AAAAI notes that allergy testing by an allergist can show exactly what you are and are not allergic to. Common tests include skin prick tests and allergy blood tests.
For long-term relief, your allergist may suggest immunotherapy. This treatment slowly trains your immune system to react less to allergens. It comes in two forms:
- Allergy shots: Regular injections given in your provider's office
- Under-the-tongue tablets: Daily tablets, available for ragweed, that the Allergy & Asthma Network says are started about 3 months before or during allergy season
ACAAI notes that immunotherapy can significantly reduce, or even get rid of, nasal and eye allergy symptoms.
Stop Suffering Through Ragweed Season With Prima CARE Allergy Care
Fall allergies do not have to ruin the season. Testing and the right treatment plan can help you breathe easier every year.
Schedule allergy testing with Prima CARE Allergy and Immunology at 277 Pleasant Street in Fall River and request an appointment through the Prima CARE patient portal, or find the Prima CARE Allergy and Immunology phone number on the locations page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does ragweed season end in Massachusetts?
Ragweed season usually winds down with the first frost. However, symptoms can linger for several weeks after, so talk with your provider before stopping allergy medicine.
Is there an allergy doctor near me in Westport, MA?
Yes. Prima CARE Allergy and Immunology is located at 277 Pleasant Street, Suite 309B, in Fall River, a short drive from Westport. Prima CARE also has primary care offices and a walk-in center on Main Road in Westport.
Can you develop a ragweed allergy as an adult?
Yes. Allergies can start at any age. If you notice new symptoms around the same time each fall, allergy testing can help find the cause.
Do allergy shots work for ragweed?
Yes. Allergy shots and under-the-tongue tablets are both options for ragweed allergy. They work best when started well before allergy season.
Can ragweed allergies cause a sinus infection?
Allergies can cause swelling and congestion that make sinus infections more likely. If you get sinus infections often, see your provider.
