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Perfect weather for ragweed

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As fall begins, ragweed is in full bloom and causing havoc for those with allergies.

Fall has finally arrived, but with it comes a new set of irritants for allergy sufferers.

Those irritants include ragweed and mold, and the exceptionally nice weather the region has been experiencing means there is no immediate end in sight. The recent mild weather can extend the growing season for ragweed.

Lee Hendricks, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said a cold front or rain would help to push the allergens out of the air.

“But we haven’t had a cold front in the past week or so, and there’s no rain in the forecast through Tuesday,” he said.

Hendricks said dry air allows the allergens to linger.

“We need a good freeze to take care of the pollen issue,” Hendricks said.

Dr. James DeAngelo, an allergist with Washington Hospital, said the ragweed season can start as early as late July and last into November. Weed pollen can cause nasal congestion, a runny nose, watery eyes and itchy ears and throat. Some people can even develop a rash, he said.

DeAngelo said there is a host of factors that can contribute to a long, harsh ragweed season. He encourages sufferers to stay indoors, drive with the windows up and wear goggles or a face mask while working outdoors.

Daily medications such as nasal spray, antihistamines and eye drops can help to lessen the pollen’s effect.

“Allergy medicine is very safe and can be used in combinations,” DeAngelo said.

Steroid and allergy shots also can be used. DeAngelo encourages allergy sufferers to undergo an allergy test to see exactly what is causing their symptoms.

“A lot of people assume they are allergic to ragweed, but other things could be causing their symptoms,” he said. “Early intervention is best.”

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