“Ragweed season” is almost here, with ragweed pollen coming on strong
in mid-August. Not as well known is that ragweed, the single most
important outdoor allergen in North America,  is only part of the
problem.

Several other important allergens also peak in late summer,
including certain molds and other common weeds.
Knowing the concept of the “allergic load” is key to understanding
allergic reactions. It’s rarely just one allergen (ragweed, for
example); rather it’s several allergens simultaneously triggering an
allergic response (itchy eyes, drippy nose, fatigue, congestion).

Allergies can be sneaky, including specific foods (watermelon),
closely related to ragweed, adding to the total allergic load. Combine
this with high mold counts and other weed pollination (and some
continued grass pollination) and you see how much exposure there can
be. Also, many allergy sufferers have year-round allergies (pet
dander, house dust) which are already stimulating an allergic response.

What to do?: Awareness of the problem, and avoidance, are always
recommended (dust masks, goggles). Keeping track of one’s diet is
always a good idea (avoid cross-reacting foods). Allergy medicines can
be very helpful for symptom control, with allergy immunotherapy
(weekly injections or daily allergy drops, under the tongue) good for
long term relief. An accurate diagnosis is always a good thing: the
main goal is full activity and improved quality of life.