FRIDAY, Aug. 5, 2005 (HealthDay News) -- Ragweed season is nearly here, and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology has some tips on how you can prepare for it.
Ragweed can have a serious impact on the lives of allergy sufferers. Each year, ragweed accounts for more than $3 billion in lost production, medications and doctor visits.
"In addition to having a negative effect on your quality of life, uncontrolled symptoms can lead to more serious medical conditions. Without proper diagnosis and management, that annoying little sniffle may trigger asthma or sinusitis," Dr. Christopher C. Randolph, pollen counter with the AAAAI's National Allergy Bureau, said in a prepared statement.
The AAAAI offers the following advice on preparing for the ragweed season:
More information
The American Lung Association offers a map that shows when ragweed and other allergy-causing pollens are in your region.