PHX Reporter

• Ragweed season starts in August and runs through September and October.
• Wind can cause ragweed pollen to travel hundreds of miles, which can affect areas where ragweed doesn't grow.
• ENT specialists have allergy treatment options that can help relieve symptoms.

With ragweed season in full swing, Dr. John Stewart of Arizona Breathe Free said that although allergies can be a huge struggle, there are tests and treatments that can help.

"Allergies can be a constant struggle, especially out here in the Arizona desert and mountains," Dr. Stewart told PHX Reporter. "We offer two types of testing here. Blood tests known as RAST and a skin scratch test. With the scratch test, you get instant results, and a treatment plan can be coordinated immediately based on your individual test results."

Ragweed is a type of weed that produces pollen from its flowers. According to Very Well Health, If you have an allergy to ragweed pollen, your immune system reacts excessively, treating it as a harmful invader. This immune response leads to inflammation of the nasal passages, a condition known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, which can manifest symptoms resembling a common cold. Ragweed pollen is a predominant trigger for autumnal hay fever. Like other pollen allergens, ragweed pollen is airborne and too minuscule to be visible to the naked eye.

Ragweed begins to release pollen in August, according to WebMD. These symptoms can last through September and October. Winds can carry ragweed pollen for hundreds of miles, so even people who don't live near areas where ragweed grows can be affected.

In order to diagnose allergies, physicians typically begin by assessing the patient's symptoms and medical background. Subsequently, they may suggest either a blood test or a skin test, according to WebMD. During a skin test, a physician will apply a tiny quantity of the allergen to the patient's skin, often on the forearm or back. If the patient exhibits an allergic response to the specific allergen, a small, itchy bump will develop.

According to Mayo Clinic, your doctor may propose a range of treatment options based on the type and severity of your allergies. These options can consist of over-the-counter medications, nasal sprays, immunotherapy, or, in cases of severe allergies, carrying an emergency epinephrine shot like an EpiPen.