What actually is an allergy to ragweed?
The pollen of the common (also called wormwood) ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, is a strong allergen - one of the major allergy triggers worldwide, originating in North America. Several other species of ragweed are known, and they are becoming more common. These include Ambrosia trifida, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Ambrosia confertifolia, Ambrosia grayi and Ambrosia tenuifolia. These plants produce a huge amount of pollen grains, about one billion each year, so they pose a danger to people suffering from allergies.
How does ragweed allergy occur and in which season does it occur most often?
The pollen of the plant can cause severe sensitivity, followed by the onset of allergy symptoms. An allergy to ragweed causes the most discomfort, mostly during mid-July, continuing into the fall. This is the period in which the plant blooms.
What are the main symptoms and what can cause an allergy to ragweed?
The main symptoms include allergic asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Wheezing and eczema are also among them. There are several causes that trigger this allergy. Genetically predisposing factors (e.g. a relative who suffers from allergies) can lead to this condition. Air pollutants and germs are also factors responsible for developing ragweed allergy. Exposure to allergens, such as house dust, pollen and others, can also have an impact.
Is this type of allergy highly prevalent?
Common ragweed is found in the USA and Europe. According to studies, due to climate change, it is possible that the amount of pollen on the plant is increasing in a large part of the continent. In Europe, the number of people affected by ragweed allergy is expected to increase to 77 million between 2041 and 2060, compared with 33 million at present. In the US, a quarter of people are affected by the condition.
What tests are done to make the diagnosis?
In order to determine whether the patient suffers from an allergy to ragweed, it is necessary to perform a PRICK skin test, along with conducting laboratory tests (RAST, etc.) and taking history data.
How is ragweed allergy treated?
There are two main treatment options for this type of allergy. Symptomatic treatment with oral H1-antihistamines and leukotriene antagonists is prescribed to manage the symptoms of the allergy, and it is done either topically or systemically by taking medication. According to randomized controlled clinical trials, the use of glucocorticoids by topical administration is also a successful treatment modality. The sufferer of ragweed allergy may also undergo specific immunotherapy, this may be sublingual (SLIT) and involve daily administration of Ragwizax/ALK over a period of 3 years or subcutaneous injection therapy (SCIT).
What are the risks of ragweed allergy and how does it differ from the common cold?
Possible complications that can occur are the development of asthma and the onset of conjunctivitis. An allergy to ragweed can cause chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyposis and lead to a deterioration in the individual's quality of life.
In order to distinguish between ragweed allergy and the common cold, it is necessary to take a history and undergo tests to identify allergens.
