5 Quick Tips to Beat Ragweed This Fall

Ragweed season has arrived, and for many people in the DMV region, that means weeks of sneezing, asthma flare-ups, and itchy eyes. Ragweed pollen is one of the most common seasonal allergens since it can travel miles through the air, which makes it impossible to avoid entirely. The good news is, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself, ease your symptoms, and find relief.

Here are five quick, patient-friendly tips to help you get through ragweed season:

1. Stay Indoors During Peak Times

Ragweed pollen levels tend to be highest in the early morning or on dry, windy days. Try to stay indoors when possible during these times and keep doors and windows closed. Using air conditioning in both your car and home can also help to reduce exposure and filter out pollen.

2. Wash Away the Pollen

Pollen easily clings to your skin, hair, and clothes when you’re outside. To avoid bringing inside:

• Shower after spending time outside.
• Change into clean clothes.
• Wash your hands after touching pets that have been outside to rinse off pollen.

3. Recognize the Symptoms

Ragweed allergies can feel a lot like having a cold. Common symptoms of ragweed allergy include:

• Stuffy or runny nose.
• Sneezing.
• Itchy and watery eyes.
• Asthma flare-ups.

If these symptoms come back around the same time each year and last longer than a typical cold, chances are you’re dealing with allergies.

4. Get Tested

The only method to know for sure if ragweed or another allergen is causing your symptoms is through allergy testing. A simple skin test at DMV Allergy & Asthma Center can quickly confirm whether ragweed or other allergens are to blame. Knowing your triggers also helps us design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

5. Explore Treatment Options

There are many effective ways to manage ragweed allergies, including:

• Medications: Such as Antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants.
• Ragweed-Specific Tablet: A sublingual treatment that works best when started before pollen season.
• Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy): At DMV Allergy & Asthma Center, we offer cluster therapy, which reaches effective doses in about four weeks, much faster than standard allergy shots protocols.

Take charge of Your Fall Allergies

Ragweed doesn’t have to ruin your fall. With a few simple prevention strategies, an understanding of your symptoms, and exploring effective treatment plans, you can enjoy the season with fewer allergy flare-ups.

• If ragweed is getting in the way of your daily life or making you miserable, reach out to DMV Allergy & Asthma Center today to schedule your allergy test and start breathing easier this fall.