Ragweed pollen allergy is a major cause of seasonal allergies, also known as “hay fever.” Its light pollen easily spreads far and wide, triggering nasal allergies and allergic asthma in its path.

If you have a ragweed pollen allergy, it helps to know what you are up against. If you live in the U.S., you probably feel the effects of ragweed pollen in the late summer and fall. Here are some things you may not know about ragweed.

Ragweed Season Peaks in Mid-September

Ragweed starts pollinating as early as July in some states, especially states in the South. But for most of the country, it appears in August and peaks in mid-September. Ragweed pollen can stick around as late as October, depending on where you live.

If you are allergic to ragweed, learn when ragweed pollen starts in your location. Talk with a board-certified allergist, if possible, about ways to prepare for the season before it begins to make it easier to manage your symptoms when the pollen peaks.

Ragweed Grows Throughout the United States

Ragweed is hard to escape. It grows throughout the United States. To help reduce your exposure to ragweed pollen, track ragweed season where you live. Check sites like AAAAI's National Allergy Bureau to follow pollen readings often.

Ragweed pollen peaks in the mornings. Plan your time outside for the afternoon and evenings when possible.

Your Immune System May Mistake Other Plants and Food for Ragweed

There are other plants that are related to ragweed. They may cause allergy symptoms as well. Avoid planting sunflowers, sage, burweed marsh elder, rabbit brush, mugwort, groundsel bush, and eupatorium near your home.

If you have a condition called pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS - also known as oral allergy syndrome (OAS), your mouth may itch or tingle when you eat certain foods. This is because the pollen is similar to the proteins in some foods, so your body can’t tell the difference. This is called cross-reactivity.

Food such as cantaloupes, bananas, watermelon, and sunflower seeds may cause symptoms in some people who have a ragweed allergy.

Rarely, PFAS can trigger anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, so it is important to know if you have PFAS or a food allergy and how to treat it. Some of the symptoms of PFAS and anaphylaxis may be similar. If you have symptoms when eating foods, talk with an allergist.

Ragweed Pollen Can Travel Hundreds of Miles

Ragweed pollen is very light, making it easy for the wind to carry it for miles. Don’t let ragweed follow you around. Cover your hair, eyes, and face when you go outside. Shower at night to remove pollen. Also have everyone who enters your home leave their shoes at the door.

Immunotherapy May Provide Relief from Ragweed Pollen Allergy

If you are allergic to ragweed pollen, there are options for treatment. Many of them are available over the counter.

• Nasal corticosteroids – These nasal sprays treat nasal inflammation, reduce symptoms and congestion, and block allergic reactions. They are the most effective for nasal symptoms and have few side effects.
• Antihistamines – They work by reducing your runny nose, sneezing, and itching in your eyes and sinuses. Choose non-drowsy options.
• Decongestants – They shrink swollen nasal passages to help you feel less stuffy. Nose drops and sprays should be taken short term.
• Leukotriene inhibitors – This medicine blocks chemicals your body releases when you have an allergic reaction.
• Cromolyn sodium – This nasal spray blocks chemicals that cause allergy symptoms, like histamine and leukotrienes.
  
  

If over-the-counter allergy medicine doesn’t relieve your allergy symptoms, talk with your doctor about other treatment options. It is especially important for you to seek treatment if you have allergic asthma and ragweed pollen is a trigger for you.

Many people benefit from immunotherapy. This can come in the form of allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

With allergy shots, your doctor gives you injections of allergens in an increasing dose over time. You gradually become less sensitive to that allergen.

With SLIT, you take a small dose of an allergen under your tongue. You also gradually become less sensitive to that allergen. Currently, SLIT is available for ragweed and dust mite allergies.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology have tools to help you find a board-certified allergist in your area.

Wearing a Mask and Sunglasses During Ragweed Season May Reduce the Pollen’s Effects

Face masks can reduce your exposure to ragweed pollen. Wearing an N95 mask when outside can prevent pollen particles from entering your nose and lungs. This may lower your chance of having symptoms.

Sunglasses can protect your eyes from ragweed pollen too. Pollen can be irritating and may cause watery and itchy eyes. Also consider a hat to keep the pollen out of your hair.

Healthy Indoor Air Quality Can Help You Manage Your Asthma and Allergies Overall

If ragweed pollen season drives you to spend more time indoors, pay attention to your indoor air quality. Indoor air is often more polluted than outside air. Poor indoor air quality can make your asthma and allergies worse. Combine poor indoor air quality with ragweed pollen, and you may be downright miserable.

The following can affect your indoor air quality:

• Allergens, like dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, and mold
• Scents, chemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Outdoor air pollution
  
  

Use our interactive Healthier Home Checklist to find where allergens, triggers, and irritants can hide. Then follow the steps to improve your indoor air.

Some products can help you improve and maintain good indoor air. The asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program helps you find products that have been scientifically tested in labs and meet strict standards. These products have proven that they effectively remove or reduce your exposure to asthma and allergy triggers. Through our program, you’ll find CERTIFIED vacuum cleaners, air filters, bedding, flooring, and more.

Medical Review Based off the webpage, “Ragweed Pollen Allergy,” reviewed August 2023 by Jill Poole, MD

AAFA’s 2024 Asthma Capitals™ Report Highlights the Most Challenging Places in the U.S. to Live with Asthma

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has released the 2024 Asthma Capitals report. This report shows how location may impact asthma in cities across the contiguous (“lower 48”) United States. It analyzes data from the 100 largest cities in the U.S. to identify the most challenging places to live with asthma.

Why is this report important? Where you live can impact your asthma. It can be affected by air pollution, your ability to get health care, income, and more. It is our goal that this report inspires action – action everyone can take – to reduce asthma rates and prevent asthma deaths. We can achieve this together.

Allentown, Pennsylvania, is #1 for 2024. Allentown was also #1 last year.

2024 Asthma Capitals Report Highlights

The 2024 Asthma Capitals report highlights where we can focus our efforts for healthier environments and communities. This year’s report includes:

• Sample resolutions for designating “Asthma Peak Week” and “Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month” in your state
• A toolkit to help advocates champion better policies for people living with asthma
• A spotlight on policies to support better access to asthma medicines and asthma care
• An update on the work AAFA is supporting to address asthma disparities in local communities – including in Allentown, the #1 Asthma Capital for the 2nd year in a row
  
  

“Nearly 28 million people in the United States have asthma,” said Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of AAFA. “For people with asthma, this report makes clear that where they live plays a significant role in their quality of life. Federal, state, and local policymakers should use this report as a guide to address climate change, indoor air quality, and access to medical care. Addressing these issues can go a long way to help improve the lives of people with asthma.”

Read AAFA’s 2024 Asthma Capitals report to see how your city ranks on our list and what communities can do to improve asthma outcomes.

How Can I Learn More About Managing Asthma?

Managing asthma involves a multi-step approach. This involves taking asthma medicine and limiting exposure to your asthma triggers. Work with an asthma specialist to come up with the best plan for you. AAFA offers free resources to help:

• Online support community
• List of CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® products to help you make your indoor air healthier
• Opportunities to participate in research to improve future asthma treatment
  
  

The 2024 Asthma Capitals report is an independent research project of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible by support from Amgen, Sanofi, and Regeneron.

Keeping your asthma under control is a key part of staying healthy. Avoiding asthma triggers to prevent symptoms is important. So is carrying a quick-relief (“rescue”) inhaler everywhere you go. Controller medicines that you take regularly, sometimes every day, help you prevent and control asthma symptoms.

But asthma medicine may cost a lot, whether or not you have insurance. If multiple members of your family have asthma, you may spend even more. Your house may be stocked with different kinds of inhalers and pills for each person.

Here are some ideas to try to lower the cost of your asthma medicines:

1. Patient assistance and drug discounts – Patient assistance programs are resources that offer free or reduced-cost asthma medicines. Each program has different rules for qualifying. Make sure to follow specific directions for each program or discount. Some medicine companies offer discount coupons, while other companies may offer free medicine.

2. Compare pharmacy prices – Call around to different pharmacies. Prices may vary, especially between large chain pharmacies and smaller independent pharmacies. Pharmacies at club stores, such as Costco and Sam’s Club, are generally available to non-members too. Try a price comparison tool like GoodRx. If you have prescription benefits through your insurance, look into your plan’s mail-order pharmacy options. This may give you a lower price or provide more medicine for the same price.

3. Talk with your doctor – Your doctor may be able to prescribe a lower-cost asthma medicine that treats your condition. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved generic versions of some asthma medicines, such as Symbicort®. Talk with your doctor about your treatment options.

4. Change insurance plans – If possible, shop for a different insurance plan. If you do not get insurance through your job or Medicare or Medicaid, you can shop for insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. You may also be able to buy insurance directly from some insurance companies. You can look for new insurance during their open enrollment period, which is usually in the fall of each year. You can also shop for new insurance any time of year for certain reasons or life events.

When you shop for new insurance, ask to see a list of medicines the policy will cover, called a “formulary.” Look for the asthma inhalers you take on the list or look at the list with your doctor.

If your family’s income is below a certain level, you might qualify for Medicaid and/or your children might qualify under The Children's Health Insurance Program. This depends on your state. Visit HealthCare.gov or your state’s health insurance site. If you get insurance through work, find out if you can shop around during open enrollment.

5. File an appeal– If your insurance refuses to pay for a medicine, you have the right to appeal. HealthCare.gov has more information about how to appeal a denial.

Updated August 2024

Welcome to our August research update! Getting involved with research is an important way to impact asthma and allergy treatments, education, and awareness.

This month, we are highlighting clinical trials, surveys, and news on:

• Adults with asthma
• Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU)
• Teens and adults with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES)
• Impacts of health insurance coverage loss, occupation and industry, and home and school pollution on asthma
• Treatment development for chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU)

Note: The links below will take you to external websites.

Asthma and Allergy Clinical Trials

Do You or Your Child Have Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES)?

The NATRON study is now enrolling patients 12 and older.

Those who qualify may receive:

• Study-related care from local doctors at no cost
• Study medication at no cost
• Reimbursement for reasonable trial-related travel expenses
  
  

There is no obligation, so answer a few questions now to see if you or your child may qualify to participate.

ANSWER QUESTIONS NOW

View the Study Videos

Sponsored by AstraZeneca

Are You Currently Taking Oral Corticosteroids (OCS) for Your Asthma?

Would you like to contribute to important new research? SUNRISE is a clinical study investigating whether a new biologic treatment called tezepelumab may help to reduce or remove the need for OCS in adults with severe asthma. The study is looking for people who:

• Are between 18 and 80 years of age
• Have had an asthma diagnosis for at least 1 year
• Have been taking OCS for asthma for at least 6 months
• Have been using inhaled corticosteroids for at least a year, and a long-acting beta 2-agonist (LABA) for at least 3 months
• Have not been receiving any biologic treatment for asthma for at least 4 months
  
  

Sponsored by AstraZeneca

LEARN MORE

Does Your Child Have Uncontrolled Hives?

There is a new clinical trial testing a medicine called dupilumab to see if it can safely help children aged ≥ 2 years to <12 years with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). CSU is marked by the appearance of itchy hives.

Sponsored by Sanofi

LEARN MORE

Surveys

Share Your Experiences Living with CSU (Chronic Hives)

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is leading a study to learn more about the experiences of people living with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), also known as chronic hives. If you have CSU, or are a caregiver to someone with CSU, we invite you to participate in this research survey.

Your insights will help us guide educational content and programmatic resources around CSU. The survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Latest Asthma and Allergy News

Asthma

Study Explores the Impact of Health Insurance Coverage Loss During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among People with Asthma
The COVID-19 pandemic caused many people to lose their jobs and health insurance coverage. For people living with chronic conditions like asthma, this can present a big challenge for the day-to-day management of symptoms. A recent study looked at how government policies like relief payments and health insurance expansion helped people effectively manage their asthma during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The researchers conducted phone interviews with 21 adults with asthma who lost their jobs and health insurance during the pandemic. These interviews assessed health and economic policies affecting access to care and management of asthma. Participants said it became harder to get the care they needed and were worried that having asthma made them more likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19. Losing health insurance made things even worse, but relief efforts such as direct government payments helped some people afford their asthma treatments. But participants found it hard to understand, afford, and use expanded health insurance options like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace and COBRA.

This study suggests that while expanding health insurance is important, there should be more focus on making it easier for people to access and understand health insurance options. Simple and flexible financial help, like direct payment, is especially useful for people managing chronic diseases like asthma.

Impact of Industry and Occupation on the Burden of Asthma in the United States
Workplaces are a common source of asthma triggers such as air pollution, chemicals, dust, mold, and animals. A recent study looked at asthma rates, flare-ups, and emergency room visits among workers in different jobs and industries during 2020 and 2021.

Researchers used data from the National Health Interview Survey, focusing on adults who had jobs in the year before the survey. They found that about 12.7 million working adults in the U.S. had asthma. Of these, 40% had an asthma flare-up, and 8.6% had to visit the emergency room because of their asthma during the year.

Workers in administrative, support, waste management, and social service jobs had the highest rates of asthma. Almost one-half of those in arts, entertainment, recreation and media occupations reported having an asthma flare-up. Workers in food service were most likely to have an asthma-related emergency room visit.

The study estimated that 9.2% of asthma cases were related to the industry people worked in, and 12.2% were related to their specific job. This means that more than 1 million asthma cases among workers could be linked to their jobs.

These findings highlight the need to identify asthma early in relation to work and to work to reduce exposure to triggers and irritants to help people in high-risk jobs. These should include training and education, using appropriate personal protective equipment, and creating health-focused workplace policies.

Home and School Pollutant Exposure, Respiratory Outcomes, and Influence of Historical Redlining
Redlining is a discriminatory practice that dates to the 1930s. This denies important resources or services to neighborhoods that have higher racial and ethnic minority populations. A recent study explored how historical redlining continues to affect children's health today, particularly related to pollution exposure and asthma.

Researchers looked at 240 children with moderate to severe asthma aged 6 to 17 from 9 U.S. cities. They wanted to see if children living or going to school in historically redlined neighborhoods were more exposed to air pollution like fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and how this exposure affected their asthma. Standard asthma index scores and lung functions were assessed.

More than 1/3 (37.5%) of the children lived or attended school in redlined neighborhoods. These children had higher exposure to NO₂ and lived closer to pollution sources (such as highways) compared to those in non-redlined neighborhoods.

While PM2.5 levels didn’t seem to affect overall asthma severity or lung function in these neighborhoods, higher PM2.5 levels were linked to worse asthma symptoms. This connection wasn’t found in non-redlined neighborhoods.

This study shows that historical redlining has lasting effects on environmental health, as children in these areas face greater risks from pollution that can worsen asthma. The results highlight the ongoing environmental injustice faced by people living in areas affected by past discriminatory policies.

Chronic Hives

Celldex Therapeutics Presents Positive Topline Results from Barzolvolimab Phase 2 Study in Chronic Inducible Urticaria
Celldex Therapeutics announced positive results from a Phase 2 clinical trial of barzolvolimab, a potential new treatment for 2 types of chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU): cold urticaria (ColdU) and symptomatic dermographism (SD). These conditions cause hives and itching when triggered by cold or skin rubbing.

Barzolvolimab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets and inhibits the KIT receptor, which is important for mast cell function. Mast cells are specific immune cells found throughout the body, especially the skin. Mast cell function is a key player in both CIndU and SD.

The study involved 196 patients split into 2 groups, ColdU and SD, and included patients who still had symptoms even after taking antihistamines. Participants were given different doses of barzolvolimab or a placebo (non-treatment). At 12 weeks, participants taking barzolvolimab showed major improvements. Many had fewer or no symptoms. The drug was also well-tolerated, with most side effects being mild, like hair color changes and a drop in certain white blood cells called neutrophils. No serious infections were linked to the treatment.

These results suggest that barzolvolimab could become a new, much-needed treatment option for people with these hard-to-manage skin conditions. Celldex plans to continue developing the drug and will present more data from on-going studies later this year.

Medical Review: July 2024 by John James, MD

Caring for young children with severe eczema can be challenging. Sleep problems, stress, and mental health issues are common among caregivers. That’s why we’ve partnered with Medlive for a new video series to support you through this journey.

Join us for "Caring for the Littles with Atopic Dermatitis," a 4-part series designed to provide essential information on managing eczema in young children and offer strategies for caregivers to stay mentally healthy.

Here’s what you can expect from each module. You can watch them all at once or individually. Each module is only 20 minutes long or less.

• Module 1: Caring for Kids with Eczema: Learn about treatment options for babies and young kids and get helpful tips for caregiving.
• Module 2: Taking Care of the Caregiver: Discover how to look after your own mental health while caring for a child with eczema.
• Module 3: Atopic March – Which Kids with Eczema Are at Risk?: Understand the risks of developing food allergies or asthma.
• Module 4: Tales from the Office: Hear stories from a doctor and caregiver about treating a child's eczema and making decisions together.
  

Get the knowledge and support you need to manage your child's eczema and take care of yourself. Join us now and start your journey towards better health and well-being.

WATCH NOW

Speakers:

Stacey Denham, MSW, MPH
Public Health Manager
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

AnneMarie Singh, MD
Associate Professor
Interim Division Head, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology
Department of Pediatrics
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Jessica L. Peck, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE, CNL, FAANP, FAAN
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Clinical Professor of Nursing
Louise Herrington School of Nursing Baylor University

Silena Gaines, MA
Clinical Research Professional
Caregiver of a child with atopic dermatitis

Alexandra Platt
Patient and caregiver

Every September, asthma hospital stays rise. Doctors see more people with asthma episodes and attacks. The 3rd week of the month is the worst. It is called the September Asthma Epidemic or Asthma Peak Week.

Everyone with asthma needs to take extra steps to manage their asthma during September. Children are affected the most during the month. But adults are at risk too.

As we head into Asthma Peak Week, it’s important to know if your asthma is under control, how to avoid getting sick, and what to do if you do get sick.

Why Is Asthma Worse in September?

People with asthma and allergies are exposed to several triggers in September. Ragweed, the most common fall pollen allergy, is highest in September in the United States. Mold counts go up as leaves collect outside. Children return to school and may catch respiratory infections. Flu and cold season is starting too.

Being around all of these asthma triggers at the same time can make it hard to keep your asthma under control.

How Can I Manage Asthma During September?

The best way to deal with asthma attacks is to prevent them before they begin. If your asthma is not under control, talk with your doctor as soon as possible.

Here are some steps you can take to manage your asthma in September:

• Follow your Asthma Action Plan to keep your asthma under control.
• Get vaccines for respiratory infections such as influenza (the flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumonia.
• Manage your allergies and your indoor air quality.
• Wear a mask in crowded places, washing your hands properly, and staying away from sick people.
• Get rest, adequate sleep and hydration, and healthy food.

To learn more about managing your asthma, visit: aafa.org/asthmapeak

How Do I Know If My Asthma Is Not Under Control?

If your asthma is under control, you are more likely to get better faster or avoid complications (serious health problems) when you are sick. It’s important to know if your asthma is under control, especially as respiratory illnesses are going around.

Controlled asthma means:

• You have asthma symptoms 2 or fewer times per week
• You use your quick-relief medicine 2 or fewer times per week
• You wake up from asthma 2 or fewer times per month
• You use oral corticosteroids to treat your asthma fewer than 2 times per year
  
  

If any of these things happen more than 2 times, your asthma is not under control.

Also, if you take oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone) 2 or more times a year, ask your doctor about other options. Oral corticosteroids can have serious, long-term side effects. Some of them may include osteoporosis (brittle bones), diabetes, and cataracts (when the lens of your eyes becomes cloudy).

Your doctor may run more tests or have you try other asthma treatments. Biologics are a type of treatment used to treat severe, uncontrolled asthma. They may reduce the number of asthma attacks you have and reduce the need for oral corticosteroids. Biologic treatments are shots or infusions you are given every few weeks. The treatment targets and blocks a cell or protein in your body that can inflame your airways.

What If I Have an Asthma Attack?

No matter how hard you try, sometimes you may still have an asthma attack. As soon as you have asthma symptoms, follow the Yellow/Caution Zone on your Asthma Action Plan. If your symptoms don’t get better, or if you have a respiratory illness, call your doctor. If you treat asthma symptoms sooner, you have a better chance of keeping them from getting worse.

Your doctor may give you a new treatment plan to follow while you have symptoms or are sick. Asthma can be serious, and you may need a course of oral corticosteroids to open up your airways and help you breathe.

If you are sick, get plenty of rest. Drink water and eat healthy foods. Continue to avoid your asthma triggers. Don’t ignore it or try to push through it. That can make it harder to get your asthma under control if you need emergency treatment. It can also be serious.

Know your Red/Danger Zone signs on your Asthma Action Plan. If you move into the Red/Danger Zone, call 911 or go directly to the emergency room.

Proper asthma control year-round is key to staying healthy during September. Stick with your treatment plan, avoid your triggers, and pay attention to your asthma control. Then next year, you’ll be better prepared to face Asthma Peak Week.

This content is developed independently by AAFA and made possible by support from Amgen.

Medical Review: August 2024 by Neeta Ogden, MD

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for severe allergic reactions, but far too often, people do not use or get it when needed.

The FDA’s recent approval of neffy®, an epinephrine nasal spray, is a huge breakthrough. The allergy community now has a treatment option for severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions that does not use a needle.

“An epinephrine nasal spray like neffy offers a new treatment option for people with anaphylaxis," said Kenneth Mendez, President and CEO of AAFA. "Our research suggests fear of needles is a top reason people are reluctant to use epinephrine auto-injectors. An option without a needle could mean epinephrine is more widely carried and used, making the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis more widely available."

This exciting milestone shows that change can happen when we come together. As your health ally, we’ve listened to your challenges and advocated for new treatment options to help you manage allergies without fear.

Last spring, our Chief Mission Officer, Melanie Carver, shared insights from our community with the FDA about the daily struggles of managing food allergies and the need for more treatment options. Today, we applaud progress.

Read the FDA press release to learn more about neffy and see our answers to common questions about neffy.