From the archives – Scientists are discovering that if you have year-round allergies, for example, dog, cat or dust mite allergies, you’ll be hit extra hard once ragweed season rolls along.
The study put 123 people with ragweed allergy in a specially-controlled room with their allergen for three hours. The results showed that those who were also allergic to dogs, cats and dust mites developed symptoms faster, or experienced stronger symptoms, than those who didn’t have the other allergies.
Leveling Out Over Time
However, the differences between the two groups lessened as the hours went on (they filled out questionnaires every 30 minutes) suggesting that once ragweed season is in full swing, everyone is affected equally.
Lead author of the study, Dr. Anne K. Ellis and her team at Kingston General Hospital in Ontario suggest that to avoid this early, intense reaction, ragweed allergy sufferers should treat their other allergies with immunotherapy or year-round allergy medication.
Another option is to limit exposure to dogs or cats leading up to ragweed season.
Related:
All About Ragweed Allergy: Signs, Symptoms, Avoidance
Pet Allergies: A Gander at Dander
