SATURDAY, Sept. 10, 2005 (HealthDay News) -- Allergy sufferers, prepare yourselves -- ragweed pollen season is upon us, delivering bouts of sneezing and itchy, watery eyes for the more than 36 million Americans with hay fever.
Ragweed starts blooming in mid-August and is responsible for more than $3 billion annually in lost production, medications and doctor visits, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
But the allergic can do more than just rage against ragweed. The academy recommends that sufferers:
And if allergy symptoms still get out of control, don't wait -- see an allergist/immunologist.
"Studies have shown that those who get prompt medical attention make fewer visits to emergency rooms and are better able to manage their symptoms," Dr. Bruce S. Bochner, director of the division of allergy and clinical immunology at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, said in a prepared statement.
More information
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology has more about outdoor allergens.