Ragweed is the most common weed to cause allergy symptoms. It pollinates from mid August until the first hard frost. The small pollen grains from the ragweed plant are made to be windborne and have been known to travel over forty miles in the air-seemingly searching for those susceptible persons who suffer from "hay fever" (allergic rhinitis). The allergic reaction causes the classic symptoms of nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing fits and itching of the nose and eyes. And the symptoms are not minor. More work days and school days are lost due to ragweed hay fever than the common cold!

Ah! But relief is just around the corner for those who know some of the tricks to prevent the "Rudolph, the red nosed reindeer" nose. First, there are simple measures of using air conditioning at home, work and in the car. Avoid outside activities when the choice is available. Sneak outside in the afternoon (ragweed pollinates maximally in the early morning hours) when there is no wind and hopefully immediately after a rain (pollen washed out of the air). Less pollen will mean less symptoms.

Medications. There are numerous over the counter remedies for hay fever. Most are antihistamines, and some have decongestants added. Beware! The over the counter antihistamines often make people sleepy. In fact, some states prohibit the use of the antihistamines while driving because of the drowsiness as a side effect. The "added" decongestant can cause insomnia or even blood pressure and heart problems.

The newer antihistamines are effective and "non-sedating," but they are expensive. Clarinex and Allegra are the newest non sedating antihistamines. They are very effective and are only available by prescription. Zyrtec is perhaps the best of the "new," but it has to be labeled as "low-sedating" because of a 14% incidence of drowsiness. Astelin is an antihistamine nasal spray and may be the "added help" that is justifiably needed by the suffering patient.

Nasal steroids (there are many such as Flonase, Nasonex, Rhinocort, Nasacort, Beconase, Trinasal and Nasarel) are perhaps the treatment of choice. The allergic reaction produces a marked inflammation, and the nasal steroids combat inflammation and are considered safe. It is important to start the nasal steroids as early as possible and preferably two weeks before the season starts (Whoops! It's already here).

If the above state of the art medications do not adequately help, allergy "shots" can desensitize the patient. These allergy injections are the only way to control symptoms without medications. The shots also are extremely effective in taking away the "blahs and blues" so commonly experienced in this devastating illness.

So there is really no reason to suffer with the excellent treatments available. Good luck! No more sniffling and sneezing - no matter what the season.