Dr. Henry Fishman Shares Insights on Ragweed Allergies with 7 News

As summer fades into fall, allergy symptoms often intensify for many in the DMV region. Henry Fishman, MD, of DMV Allergy & Asthma Center, joined ABC 7 News for an in-depth discussion about ragweed allergies, their effects, and the most effective strategies to manage them. During the segment, he offered viewers both practical strategies and reassurance that advanced treatments are available and can bring real relief.

What Triggers Allergies in the Fall?

The interviewer began by asking: “What allergy triggers are popular right now as we head into fall?”

Dr. Fishman explained, “We just finished a period of terrible air quality because it’s so hot out. However, ragweed, a weed that grows in our neighborhoods and forests, has begun to emerge. It pollinates a little fine pollen around, which lasts through until Thanksgiving.”

He added that in just a few weeks, additional weeds will worsen the problem, and once leaves start to fall, mold becomes another major trigger. Together, these create a “triple wave” of fall allergens: Ragweed, weed, and mold.

Ragweed Allergy Symptoms

The interviewer followed up: “But let’s talk more about ragweed, because even if we don’t see it, we can feel it if we have allergies, right?”

Dr. Fishman confirmed: “Ragweed causes itchy, watery eyes, stuffy nose, and sneezing. It can trigger sinus headaches or sinus infections, or trigger asthma. So it can make you pretty miserable.”

This highlights that ragweed is more than just a nuisance. For many people, it can aggravate respiratory issues like asthma and sinusitis.

Reducing Ragweed Exposure

When asked about what patients can do to protect themselves, Dr. Fishman recommended several simple but effective steps:

• • Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed.
  • Use air conditioning and air filters.
  • Shower and change clothes after outdoor activities.
  • Wash your hands after handling pets that may carry pollen indoors.

“If you stay indoors, close the windows and doors in your home and car, use air conditioning, and use air filters, you get exposed to less ragweed,” he explained. “Very simple steps, I think everyone can take.”

Cold or Allergy? How to Tell the Difference

The interviewer admitted, “Sometimes when I sniff around with my symptoms, I’m not really sure if it’s a cold or if it’s allergies. What are some telltale signs that we can look out for?”

Dr. Fishman clarified: “Colds tend to be short-lived and not recur. They last a week or 10 days, with a lot of constitutional symptoms like muscle aches, sweats, and chills. Allergies tend to run in families. They cause a lot of sneezing and itching, watery eyes, but mostly they tend to be recurrent. It happens over and over during a long time period. The best way to tell is to get tested by an allergist.”

Allergy Testing at DMV Allergy & Asthma Center

At DMV Allergy & Asthma Center, allergy testing is accessible and patient-friendly. Dr. Fishman described the process: “You come in, check in. We give you a nice greeting and a cup of coffee. And if you want to, a little champagne. Then we skin test them. Put a little drop on, and scratch it under either your forearms or back. If you react in your skin, you’re going to react in your eyes, nose, and sinuses, and you’re allergic.”

This simple test offers clear answers, helping patients identify the exact triggers behind their symptoms.

Four Paths to Allergy Management

Once testing is complete, treatment can be tailored. Dr. Fishman outlined four main approaches:

1. Do nothing, and remain miserable.
2. Use medications.
3. Try a ragweed-specific tablet. “Ragweed has a tablet, which you can take for six months a year. You start three months ahead, put it on your tongue. The problem is that it only treats ragweed. So if you’re allergic to grass or trees in the spring, it won’t help you.”
4. Immunotherapy through allergy shots.

He noted that DMV Allergy & Asthma Center offers advanced rush or cluster therapy: “It literally builds up in just four weeks, then you come once a month. Classic therapy, which is done by most other practices, takes six or seven months to get the top dose and help you. But they really work, they help people who are shot failures, people with sinus trouble, people with asthma. They make them better.”

Ragweed and Food Cross-Reactions

Finally, Dr. Fishman addressed a lesser-known issue: the link between ragweed and certain foods. “The proteins in ragweed are nearly identical to the proteins in some of the foods we eat. So some people who are ragweed-allergic eat certain foods, and then they get mouth-tickling, tongue-tickling, a little tight throat.”

He listed the most common foods that may cross-react:

• Bananas
• Zucchini
• Cucumbers
• Squash
• Watermelon

This condition, known as oral allergy syndrome, often catches patients by surprise. Steering clear of trigger foods during ragweed season can reduce these uncomfortable reactions.

Key Takeaway

Dr. Fishman’s interview on 7 News provided a comprehensive overview of ragweed allergies and how patients can protect themselves. From prevention strategies and testing to advanced treatment options like cluster therapy, DMV Allergy & Asthma Center offers a full spectrum of care.

“If you’re at home suffering from any allergy symptoms or asthma symptoms, don’t wait. Call right now,” Dr. Fishman urged in closing.

If ragweed or other seasonal allergies are disrupting your life, contact DMV Allergy & Asthma Center today to schedule your consultation and testing.