Ragweed & Goldenrod

[nerdhume]

My reactions get worse each year, but I never really knew the difference:
http://www.examiner.com/article/allergy ... nd-ragweed
All the ditches and vacant lots are covered with both...my only hope is to stay inside and keep the AC running.

[tex]

That's interesting that goldenrod pollen is heavier, so that it doesn't remain airborne. Back when I used to spend a lot of time this time of year shredding weeds in pastures, it seemed to bother me about as much as ragweed, but I suppose that was because a shredder kicks all that pollen into the air so that it's more available. My impression was that all yellow pollen caused me to react, if I inhaled it, including broomweeds and sunflower.

I say "caused" because for some unknown reason, I have had no significant problems with pollen this fall. In the past, every fall it would practically eat me alive, and I couldn't see what I was doing because of my eyes watering, and I stayed busy blowing and wiping my nose. I'm not sure what has changed this year.

Here's one theory (my own). A couple of decades ago, wild mustard began to show up in wheat seed here, and due to it's aggressiveness and winter hardiness, wild mustard has now become establish in many pastures, roadside ditches, etc. Wild mustard can bloom at practically any time of the year, and it has many yellow flowers. Perhaps the almost constant exposure to this low-level yellow pollen source has induced tolerance in my respiratory system, similar to the methods used by allergists for inducing pollen tolerance. Or, I could be all wet, because if I remember correctly, wild mustard originally moved into this section of Texas from East Texas (at least that's what we were told by "authorities" who pretended to know what they were talking about. But maybe that's incorrect.

Tex

[nerdhume]

For many years I have had the itchy eyes, runny nose, chest congestion, etc. Now the allergies seem to be causing mucous in my intestines.....yikes.
I was not sure what wild mustard looked like, so I googled it and don't recognize that as any of the predominate weeds here in East Texas.
Guess I'll just have to suffer through it, Zrytec, Benadryl, neti pot, eye drops, Nyquil, etc

[JFR]

Like Tex, I have had no ragweed problems this year after a lifetime of dreading August when ragweed pollen first appears and eagerly awaiting the first hard frost when the pollen goes away. Luckily I live in Vermont so frosts tend to come early. I have no explanation for my lack of symptoms this year. I supposed I did have the occasional itchy eyes but minimal and short-lived. I am hoping this pattern continues for next year. I can't help but wonder if it is my 2.5 years of very careful 100% compliant eating. Whatever the reason I'll take it. I actually knew about the ragweed goldenrod difference. I learned it so long ago that I can't remember when or from whom. I know nothing abut wild mustard or its prevalence in my area.
Jean

[Deb]

Thanks Theresa. I didn't know the difference either. I used to have horrible allergies from May until October. I was allergic to trees, mold, dogs, cats, ragweed, grass and it seemed most everything. In my 20's I had allergy shots and continued them for about 5 years. I really don't have any issues with them anymore. I do still have an issue with perfumes/scents.