Common Ragweed details

Common ragweed is one of the most significant causes of fall seasonal allergies in North America, with a single plant capable of releasing enormous quantities of pollen that can travel long distances. This test measures IgE antibodies specific to ragweed pollen to check for allergic sensitization, which underlies the sneezing, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes many people experience each fall. Ragweed allergy is also linked to a phenomenon called oral allergy syndrome, where some ragweed-sensitive people experience mouth or throat itching after eating certain melons or bananas, due to similar proteins in these foods. It's typically included in a regional weed allergen panel.