By Viktoriya Zabigaylo and Dr. Orest Szczurko
Ragweed is the main culprit of seasonal allergies that occur in the late summer and fall. A single ragweed plant can produce as many as 1 billion pollen grains, and because they are very light, they can travel through the air over 200 km 1, 2. Those who suffer from hay fever (allergic rhinitis) are especially susceptible to ragweed allergies, with symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes. These symptoms are the manifestation of the immune system’s response to the allergens, with the chemical histamine playing a large role in regulating inflammation, vasodilation and bronchoconstriction.
