Ragweed main culprit, as many suffer from fall allergies

It’s allergy season. Blame most of the runny nose and itchy eyes in the La Crosse area on ragweed.

Upwards of 40% of people dealing with allergies can blame ragweed.

Todd Mahr, allergist at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, says the area’s propensity to build doesn’t help the situation.

“Ragweed is a very opportunistic weed,” Mahr said. “Around our area, we have a lot of disturbed soil whether it be farmers or construction. When you disturb that soil, it allows ragweed to grow on the edges of those lots.”

There are some common symptoms related to fall allergies.

“Ragweed in the fall is very problematic,” Mahr said. “People complain of itchy or runny eyes, but mostly you’re talking about nasal congestion.”

Mahr added that there are a number of medications that can reduce symptoms.

“Antihistamines are very popular,” he said. “Now the nasal steroids are over the counter like Flonase. You likely will take that twice a day for a week when you have the worst of the symptoms.”

Mahr also recommends showering at night to get rid of excess pollen and keeping windows shut.