Allergies: I have conquered RAGWEED!

[Analog]

I have suffered during this time of the year all of my life. I had tried everything, and little helped - and the stuff that helped either made me drowsy / sleepy or just grumpy, since it didn't do much.

Last year, I tried the combination of Astelin nasal spray, Singulair tablets and Naphcon-A eyedrops when the ragweed raged.

The most effective was the Astelin, it simply obliterates the effects of ragweed in my sinuses. No more itching, sneezing etc. The Singulair seems to effect my breathing, I don't have asthma, but it allows me to breath easier (especially when I'm out running). The Naphcon is extremely effective in red-eye and allergy related eye itching etc. I've tried many other drops, and this one is the best for me.

Claratin and allegra never did anything for me, and benedryl and zyrtec were effective, but made ME innefective (sleepy).

So, the moral of this story is - don't give up. Try different combinations and see what is best for you. Here in the midwest, ragweed is just a part of life, but at least I have mine back for the duration of this ragweed season!

 

[Eli]

What exactly is "ragweed"?

Is there actually a plant called ragweed, or is it just a generic term meaning "weed pollen"?

 

[Analog]

Originally posted by: Eli
What exactly is "ragweed"?

Is there actually a plant called ragweed, or is it just a generic term meaning "weed pollen"?

Ahh yes, Eli's life in Oregon has precluded him from experiencing this weed... Ragweed exists for the most part east of the rockies. It is a small bushy plant that can grow upwards of 3' round, and it blooms in late august with green 'flowers' (they really don't look like flowers). There are many different species, and the pollen from these monsters seems to effect many people (like myself)!

You are truly blessed for not having this stuff around!

 

[Analog]

Ragweed is any of about 35 species of widely distributed, annual or perennial plants of the genus Ambrosia in the daisy family, Compositae. The common ragweed, A. artemisiifolia, is a hairy-stemmed annual growing to about 1.5 m (5 ft) high, with usually deeply divided leaves. Its minute, greenish flowers with yellow stamens are borne in tiny clusters spaced along a slender, erect stalk. The giant ragweed, A. trifida, an annual with three-lobed leaves, reaches a height of 4.5 m (15 ft). Ragweed pollen is the most prevalent cause of autumn hay fever (see ALLERGY) in the United States. The seedlike fruits form an important part of the winter diet of birds.


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[Eli]

Originally posted by: yellowfiero

Originally posted by: Eli
What exactly is "ragweed"?

Is there actually a plant called ragweed, or is it just a generic term meaning "weed pollen"?

Ahh yes, Eli's life in Oregon has precluded him from experiencing this weed... Ragweed exists for the most part east of the rockies. It is a small bushy plant that can grow upwards of 3' round, and it blooms in late august with green 'flowers' (they really don't look like flowers). There are many different species, and the pollen from these monsters seems to effect many people (like myself)!

You are truly blessed for not having this stuff around!

Ahh.. Interesting.

I'm not allergic to anything that I know of, so it'd be fine with me if they were.. lol

Around here, allergy sufferers complain about "hay fever" often.. I guess there lots of grass pollens that peoples bodies don't like? lol