You are About to Get the "Summer Cold" and Here is Why

August is upon us again.

August is the last month of Summer Break for the kids.

August is a hot month. August is a great month for swimming, going to the lake, and vacationing.

And August is Ragweed pollination month!

Ragweed pollen starts increasing in August and spreads through the air most actively through September. Just look at the Google search trends for "Ragweed" (below) and you will see how, consistently over the past 5 years, Ragweed has peaked in late August/early September! 

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Symptoms of ragweed allergy can mimic a sinus infection, but antibiotics are not the way to treat ragweed allergy. Symptoms may include the following:

• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Runny eyes / Runny nose
• Malaise (feeling sick)
• Itchy throat

Treatment includes symptomatic relief and preventative measures, including:

• Antihistamines
• Nasal steroid and/or antihistamine nasal sprays
• Saline nasal irrigations and saline sprays
• Decongestants as needed
• Allergy immunotherapy directed at ragweed pollen

So be ready for that annual oxymoron of a condition, The Summer Cold, to try to interrupt your fun. Get back on those allergy medications or seek help now to prevent feeling miserable when the ragweed pollen counts peak!  

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To see Dr. Thomas S. Higgins, Jr. a fellowship-trained Rhinologist (Sinus Specialist) , click below
or call (502) 894-8441.

Schedule Appointment