"Extreme" Ragweed Pollen Counts Will Exacerbate Fall Allergies

9/29/22 in Blog Posts

As we enter the Fall season, allergy sufferers in New York, New Jersey, and the rest of the Northeast region could be in for a brutal allergy season thanks to certain ragweed pollen, according to a report from a team of AccuWeather forecasters. The Philadelphia region has already recorded “extreme” pollen counts, thanks to the Philly area’s only National Allergy Bureau pollen counter. It’s estimated that 75% of people who are allergic to spring plants are also affected by ragweed. Pollen is the main culprit, and ragweed is the biggest producer of pollen in the Fall. In fact, it can even last through the winter and keep your symptoms going even longer. 

Ragweed pollen specifically will “dominate” the entire East Coast this Fall season, with higher-than-normal levels in the late summer and early fall months noted area forecasters, who analyzed weather patterns and climate research to inform their report.

Recent research suggests growing seasons are becoming longer, which in turn creates a longer pollen season and therefore, prolonged allergy symptoms, according to Climate Central, a nonprofit science and news organization based in Princeton, New Jersey. With this in mind, there are a number of allergy tests and treatment options that can be implemented to help prevent any prolonged symptoms due to the seasonal allergens that are in the air.

Allergy Testing and Treatment:
Allergy testing is one of the most certifiable means by which to identify potential allergies. Skin-prick testing or blood tests, help physicians determine what a person’s allergies are. Correctly identifying allergy triggers is a key component of effective management. Treatment options for allergies can vary, but the most common treatment options are environmental control, medications, and immunotherapy (allergy shots).

Tips to Control Your Allergy Exposure and Symptoms

• Try staying indoors when possible, especially when ragweed pollen counts are high or at their peak.
• Keep windows of your home, workplace, and car closed during peak ragweed seasons.
• Use an air filter whenever possible.
• Wash your hands and face to remove allergens.
• Shower and shampoo your hair at bedtime to wash off accumulated pollens. 
• Wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to minimize allergens getting into your eyes.
• Wash bedding once a week using hot water.

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