Achoo! Pollen Counts About to Blow Off the Charts

Pollen counts from ragweed will be “very high” this weekend in Metro Detroit. (Photo via Creative Commons)

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Weed pollen counts will be off the charts this weekend in Metro Detroit.

Ragweed is omnipresent this time of year. A single plant can produce 1 billion grains of pollen that travel hundreds of miles in the wind – which means allergy sufferers have to endure pollen not only from neighborhood weed patches, but also those a couple of states away.

Bless them, and you. Pass the tissues.

If you’re one of the approximately 20 percent of Americans who suffer miserably with hay fever in the fall, your best bet this weekend is to find an indoor activity.

Weather.com pollen says counts will be “high” Friday, but “very high” – as high as the scale goes – on Saturday and Sunday in the Metro Detroit area.

Symptoms of what is commonly called hay fever include eye irritation, runny nose, stuffy nose, puffy eyes, sneezing, and inflamed, itchy nose and throat, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Those with severe allergies are prone to asthma attacks, chronic sinusitis, headaches and impaired sleep.

There’s no cure for ragweed allergy, though antihistamines or, in extreme cases, allergy shots generally provide relief, according to the AAFA.

It advises tracking pollen counts; staying inside with air conditioning, using a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter attachment when pollen counts are high; or taking a vacation to a place where pollen counts are low, like the Rocky Mountains or points west, the seashore or even abroad.

Ragweed allergies are most common in the Eastern and Midwestern states,

Chronic sufferers may want to consider moving – but with a caveat. Moving may offer short-term relief, the AAFA says, but severe sufferers may develop allergies to plants in the new location within a few years.