The Return of Ragweed

By Health Day

Story Created: Aug 24, 2012 at 4:00 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Aug 27, 2012 at 4:00 AM AKDT

Here's how to survive allergy season.

As we watch summer slowly fade away, millions of us are facing a season of suffering. Hay Fever season!

Fall allergies are often triggered by ragweed pollen which typically starts to bloom in mid-August and finishes wreaking havoc sometime in October.

For the 35 million Americans who suffer through seasonal allergies, the return of this plant means the return of those all too familiar symptoms: sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and sore throat. Ragweed can also make asthma worse for those who have it.

Although thereÔs no cure for ragweed allergy, this nasty passage to Fall can be controlled by following a few steps:

Avoid the outdoors if possible between 5 and 10am when pollen counts are highest.

Keep windows in your home and car closed to lower exposure.

Remove your shoes at the door so you don't trail pollen from room to room and

Be aware that pets can also transport pollen.

If your allergies are really bad, you may want to talk to your doctor about allergy medications.

I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV, with the news you can use for healthier living.

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