Ragweed — the strongest allergen of late summer

When the grass season is coming to an end, many allergy sufferers hope for some peace — yet at the end of summer symptoms return. A common culprit is ragweed, regarded as one of the strongest airborne allergens. In this article we explain factually when it pollinates, why it is so troublesome and what you can do.

Important: this is an educational article. It does not replace a consultation with a doctor or allergy diagnostics. Tests and desensitisation at the AGAMED clinic are supportive in nature. If your symptoms are severe, consult a doctor or an allergist.

In brief

• Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is the most widespread and most strongly allergenic species; giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) can also cause allergies.
• It pollinates from the second half of August, through September, until the first ten days of October — the peak falls in August–September.
• It is one of the strongest airborne pollens — intense symptoms can be triggered by just 5–10 pollen grains per 1 m³ of air.
• In Poland it pollinates most intensely in the south and west, but the light pollen is carried by the wind over long distances — symptoms can also occur far from places where the plant grows.
• Ragweed can be confusing because it pollinates at the same time as mugwort (late summer) — it is worth establishing exactly what you are allergic to.

What is ragweed and why does it cause such strong allergic reactions?

Ragweed is a weed whose pollen is among the most aggressive airborne allergens. This is due to the strong allergenic proteins it contains. Characteristically, a very low concentration is enough — on the order of a few grains per cubic metre of air — for hay fever, sneezing, itching and watery eyes to appear in a sensitised person.

In addition, ragweed pollen is light and airborne, so it can be carried by the wind over considerable distances. That is why symptoms can occur even where there is little of the plant itself in the area.

When does ragweed pollinate?

In Poland pollination usually begins in the second half of August, intensifies in September and fades at the beginning of October. This is the "closing" of the pollen season — the moment when grasses are weakening and ragweed and mugwort take over.

Ragweed pollinates most intensely in the southern and western regions of the country, but because pollen is carried over long distances it is worth following local forecasts wherever you live. How and where to check them is described in a separate post: where to check the pollen forecast.

How to limit exposure

• Follow the pollen forecast and on days of high concentrations limit long periods outdoors, especially on warm, windy afternoons.
• Air your home briefly and preferably in the morning or after rain, when there is less pollen in the air.
• After coming home rinse your face, rinse your nose with saline and change clothes so as not to spread pollen around.
• Do not dry laundry outdoors at the peak of pollination.
• Consider an air purifier with a filter in the bedroom.

Ragweed and mugwort — easy to confuse

Ragweed pollinates at the same time as mugwort, and both cause similar late-summer symptoms. In addition, some people have cross-allergy (reactions to similar proteins in different sources). So instead of guessing, it is worth establishing what exactly you are allergic to. More about the mechanism: cross-allergy.

How to check what you react to?

A definite diagnosis belongs to allergy diagnostics. At the AGAMED clinic in Szczecin we offer indicative bioresonance tests (including for weed pollens) and supportive desensitisation — as a complement, not a replacement for tests with an allergist. See: tests and desensitisation.

Frequently asked questions

When does ragweed pollinate in Poland?

Usually from the second half of August, through September, until the beginning of October. The peak is August–September.

Why is ragweed so troublesome?

Because its pollen is one of the strongest airborne allergens — symptoms can be triggered by just a few grains per cubic metre of air, and the pollen is carried over long distances.

I live far from ragweed sites — can I still react?

Yes. Light ragweed pollen is carried by the wind over considerable distances, so symptoms can also occur outside the regions where it is most common.

Allergy symptoms in late summer in Szczecin?

At the AGAMED clinic in Szczecin we carry out indicative bioresonance tests (including weed pollens) and supportive desensitisation. Tests and desensitisation · contact · tel. 519 055 858. Also check what pollinates in August and in September.

The information in this article is educational and is not medical advice.