If you start feeling congested, sneezy, or generally under the weather every August or September, you might wonder, “Am I getting sick, or are my allergies acting up again?” For many people, the answer might be ragweed. Ragweed is one of the most common causes of fall seasonal allergies. A single ragweed plant can release billions of pollen grains into the air, and the pollen can travel considerable distances. If you’re sensitive to ragweed, even relatively small amounts can trigger an immune response. But what does a ragweed allergy actually look like? And how can you tell the difference between fall allergies and a cold? In this blog, we’ll outline some of the most common symptoms to watch for and when it might be time to seek urgent care.
For same-day seasonal allergy treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands. Our center is conveniently located at 3800 Irving Street in Denver, CO. Just walk-in any day of the week or plan your visit in advance below!
What is Ragweed and Why Does it Cause Allergies?
Ragweed is a flowering weed that typically releases pollen in the late summer and throughout the fall. While there are several species of this plant, common ragweed is widespread throughout much of the U.S. For people with a ragweed allergy, the immune system mistakenly identifies the pollen as a threat. This triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals, leading to the familiar symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Ragweed pollen can cause symptoms when you breathe it in, and windy days make symptoms worse by spreading pollen through the air. You don’t necessarily have to live near a large patch of ragweed to experience symptoms. Pollen can travel through the air and enter your home through open windows, doors, clothing, and shoes.
Common Symptoms of a Ragweed Allergy
Ragweed allergies can make you feel like you’re coming down with a cold, but there are some clues that can help distinguish the two. Common symptoms include:
● Sneezing, sometimes repeatedly
● Runny or stuffy nose
● Itchy nose or throat
● Watery, itchy, or red eyes
● Post-nasal drip
● Coughing
● Sinus pressure
● Fatigue
● Headache
One of the biggest clues that your symptoms may be caused by allergies is itching. Itchy eyes, nose, or throat, are much more common with allergies than with a typical cold. Allergy symptoms can also stick around for weeks or even months as long as you’re exposed to the allergen. A cold, on the other hand, typically improves within about a week or two.
Is It Ragweed, a Cold, or Something Else?
Fall allergies and respiratory infections can look surprisingly similar. Both can cause congestion, a runny nose, coughing, headaches, and fatigue. However, there are few differences to look for:
● Allergies: Symptoms often include itching, sneezing, watery eyes, and clear nasal drainage. Fever is not typical, and symptoms may continue as long as you’re exposed to pollen.
● Common Cold: A cold may cause a sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, and sometimes a low-grade fever. Symptoms generally improve within one to two weeks.
● Flu: Influenza tends to come on more suddenly and can cause chills, fever, significant fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and cough.
● Sinus Infection: A sinus infection may cause facial pressure or pain, congestion, thick nasal drainage, and symptoms that persist or worsen rather than gradually improve.
Because symptoms can overlap, it’s not always possible to know the cause based on symptoms alone. If you’re feeling significantly ill or your symptoms aren’t improving, getting evaluated can help determine what’s going on.
How Can You Reduce Ragweed Allergy Symptoms?
If ragweed is behind your symptoms, reducing your exposure to pollen may help. You don’t have to stay inside all fall, but a few simple changes can make a difference. Keep windows closed when pollen counts are high, especially on windy days. After spending time outside, changing your clothes, and showering can help remove pollen from your hair and skin. It can also help to wash bedding regularly and avoid drying clothes outside during peak allergy season. Over-the-counter allergy treatments may also help manage symptoms. Depending on your symptoms, options may include antihistamines, nasal sprays, or other allergy medications.
When Should You Visit Urgent Care for Fall Allergy Symptoms?
Most seasonal allergy symptoms aren’t dangerous, but you don't have to simply suffer through them every fall. Consider visiting an urgent care center if your symptoms are severe, aren’t improving with your usual allergy treatments, or are making it difficult to sleep or go about your normal activities. You should also seek medical care if you’re experiencing symptoms that could indicate something other than allergies, such as persistent fever, significant facial pain, worsening cough, or symptoms that suddenly become much more severe.
If you’re not sure whether you’re dealing with ragweed allergies, a cold, the flu, or another respiratory illness, an urgent care provider can evaluate your symptoms and help determine the next steps.
Get Same-Day Allergy Relief at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands – No Appointment Necessary
If you feel sick every time late summer turns into fall, ragweed could be the reason. Sneezing, congestion, itchy or watery eyes, post-nasal drip, and an itchy throat are all common signs of a ragweed allergy. Pay attention to when your symptoms appear and whether they follow a seasonal pattern. If they return around the same time every year and improve when pollen exposure decreases, seasonal allergies may be playing a role. And if your symptoms are severe, persistent, or don’t seem like your typical allergies, come visit us at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands, We can help figure out what’s making you sick, with no appointment necessary. Just walk-in! We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about allergy treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (303) 477-6000.