Ragweed allergy season

Ragweed allergy season can be even more miserable for those with dog, cat or dust mite allergies , according to new research. These year-round allergies appear to "pre-prime" the immune system so symptoms hit harder, according to a study recently published in the Annals of Allergy , Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

Hay fever (known as seasonal allergic rhinitis) begins around the middle of August, when ragweed blooms. The typical symptoms sneezing, itching, stuffy nose and watery eyes can make sufferers miserable. Hay fever sufferers who also are allergic to cats, dogs or dust mites develop symptoms faster and (early on) more severely, the research suggests. Treating the cat, dog or dust mite allergy year round may help make the hay fever more manageable.