9 Foods to Avoid During Ragweed Season

Ragweed season is here. If you find yourself dealing with some new food allergies it may be oral allergy syndrome. Learn how to stop the symptoms.

If you are experiencing allergies right now you are likely one of the 10-30% of Americans that suffer from hay fever, or allergic rhinitis. And of the most common causes of hay fever during fall is ragweed.

Ragweed is very common in Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic have been showing a rise in the pollen counts lately.

Symptoms of hay fever include-

• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Watery or itchy eyes
• Cough
• Sinus and facial pain and pressure
• Decreased sense of taste or smell
• Sneezing
• Itchy nose, roof of the mouth, or throat

Treatments include antihistamines, corticosteroids, allergy shots, decongestants, and other over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Another way you can help reduce your systems is by eliminating some foods that may be causing you to have Oral allergy syndrome.

Oral allergy syndrome is caused by cross-reacting allergens found in pollen and in raw vegetables, fruits, seeds, and tree nuts. The immune system recognizes similar proteins found in these foods and causes an allergic reaction to it. Cooked forms of the foods don’t often cause the same issue. Ragweed is an allergen that suffers from oral allergy syndrome often have.

It’s estimated that up to a third of pollen allergy patients suffer from oral allergy syndrome. Most cases are mild but it can cause serious, even life-threatening reactions.

Common oral allergy syndrome triggers for ragweed suffers include-

• Banana
• Cucumber
• Cantaloupe
• Melons
• Zucchini
• Echinacea
• Chamomile
• Artichoke
• Hibiscus

If you eat these foods take note of any symptoms after.

The most common symptoms of OAS include-

• Watery or itchy eyes
• Tingling at the back of your throat
• Itchy or swollen lips
• Scratchiness on the roof of your mouth

If you notice any of these reactions be sure to let your doctor know and avoid the food. You can also avoid these foods as a precaution, as you may not be able to notice they are making your allergies worse.

Is cedar season more of an issue for you? Check out 6 Foods to Avoid During Cedar Season.  

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Lisa Sharp

Lisa Sharp is the founder of Green Oklahoma. She is passionate about the environment and improving Oklahoma for future generations. She also writes on her personal blog Retro Housewife Goes Green.

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