Common Ragweed, W1

Ragweed (Ambrosia) is a genus of herbaceous plants or shrubs and is considered a potent allergen. It grows in fields as well as in neglected areas on the outskirts of cities. Ragweed pollen dispersal occurs from late summer to early autumn, a period during which allergic symptoms commonly occur.

Ragweed allergy develops when a small amount of pollen is inhaled and reaches the respiratory tract. The body perceives this seemingly harmless pollen as a foreign substance that must be eliminated. Consequently, an immune response is triggered to remove the “intruder.” A pollen concentration below 30 grains/m³ is sufficient to provoke an allergic reaction. Moreover, in highly sensitized individuals, symptoms may occur even at 1–2 pollen grains/m³.

Symptoms of ragweed allergy are similar to other forms of pollinosis. In patients with bronchial asthma, they may worsen disease control and can cause cough and wheezing. Allergic individuals may experience sneezing, nasal congestion, watery nasal discharge (rhinorrhea), headache, eye irritation, throat itching, reduced or lost sense of smell, drowsiness, and chronic fatigue. In severe cases, ragweed pollen may trigger anaphylactic shock. It has a sudden onset and rapid progression and may lead to airway obstruction and even death.

Diagnostic confirmation of ragweed allergy can be performed with a laboratory blood test. Testing a small blood sample can detect ragweed-specific antibodies (specific IgE). If these antibodies are detected, sensitization to ragweed is likely.

Preparation for testing
To avoid affecting the results of certain tests (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides), it is recommended to avoid fatty foods, concentrated sweets, and alcohol on the day before sampling. Blood collection should be postponed immediately after diagnostic procedures (X-ray, CT, MRI) and physiotherapy sessions, as these may influence test results.