Complain about a product or service

Ragweed Is Upon Us

By Henry J. Fishman, M.D.
ConsumerAffairs.com

August 19, 2005

Dr. Henry Fishman • New This Week • Previous Topics • About Henry Fishman • Radio Features

It's that time again. Across the country, ragweed is blossoming in our fields and along the roadsides, filling the air with pollen -- enough to make one out of five Americans miserable, with itchy eyes, stuffy nose and sneezing.

Pollen can trigger sinus problems and asthma, leading to cough, shortness of breath and wheezing. And with no rest in sight for the allergy-weary, weeds and mold will be along right behind the ragweed.

What to do?
• Stay indoors in air conditioning on hot, muggy days.
• Exercise indoors or, if you must go outside for your workout, do it in the early morning or late evening. Shower when you're done.
• See your doctor and get on an individualized allergy program.
• For mild symptoms, try over-the-counter allergy products.
• For more severe symptoms, get some prescriptions. Non-sedating antihistamines, decongestants and nose sprays can help.

For the really miserable, there's always allergy shots ... or an ocean cruise.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.