Spring is in full swing by May, and although it is a wonderful time of the year, it can also be cheeky for allergy patients. One of the most common perpetrators? Weed pollen. Although grasses and trees are usually blamed early in the season, weeds – such as Ragweed and Mugwort – start their pollen in late spring and can cause a series of allergic reactions. This is what really happens in your body and environment when weed starts to bloom.
The immune system overreaction
The core of every allergy is the immune system. With allergic individuals, the immune system identifies an harmless substance – such as weed pollen – as a threat. To combat this observed intruder, the body produces Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which then the release of histamine And other chemicals. These substances cause inflammation and symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and congestion.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (Acai)over 10-20% of Americans Suffering from weed pollen allergies, where Ragweed is the most notorious trigger. Can only produce one Ragweed plant Up to a billion granules In a season and thanks to wind spread, Pollen can travel hundreds of kilometers.
Why can it matter
While Ragweed tends to worry later in the summer, other allergy-inducing weeds such as Plantain, sorrel, lamzags and robberies Start to release pollen in May. Climate change also expands pollen seasons – which means that the starting times crawl earlier and last longer. A study from 2019 published in The Lancet Planetary Health Discovered that pollen seasons in North America have become longer and more intense in recent decades, partly due to rising temperatures and raised carbon dioxide content, which promote the growth of plants and pollen production.
Environmental triggers and prevention
One of the best tools in the toolkit of an allergy is Pollenvoorpelling. Apps such as Pollen.com” WeathbugAnd Zyrtec’s Allergy Cast Provide daily polling and predictions, so that individuals can plan outdoor activities when the levels are lower.
Experts recommend staying indoors during peak poll hours (usually early morning), using HEPA FILTERS In houses, and showering after having spent time outside to wash pollen. Freely available antihistamines such as Loratadine or Cetirizine can help to reduce symptoms, and in severe cases allergologists can recommend immunotherapy (Allergy recordings or tablets) to build long-term tolerance.
When you need to seek help
If you experience persistent symptoms that disturb sleep, concentration or daily functioning, it is worth a visit to test an allergist. They can identify your specific triggers and adjust a treatment plan accordingly.
Valuable sources:
If you want this adapted for a specific publication or public, I can adjust the tone or also add visuals/links!
#science #weed #allergies