As fall settles over Georgia, some residents are once again contending with sneezing fits, itchy eyes and nasal congestion. The familiar culprit is ragweed pollen, a leading cause for seasonal allergies across the state. Bonnie Buxton, PhD, Director of the Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences at PCOM Georgia, emphasizes the importance of understanding different allergens and how they affect the body as a key step in preparing for and managing severe allergy seasons.
Ragweed is a resilient, hardy plant that blooms from late summer into fall, releasing vast quantities of pollen into the air. It thrives across Georgia's urban and rural areas, making it a common allergen. Due to its tiny and lightweight particles, ragweed pollen can travel long distances and easily infiltrate homes, cars and workplaces.
In addition to ragweed, mold spores also pose a significant allergy threat, especially in humid regions of Georgia. Because mold thrives in damp environments, such as basements, bathrooms and outdoor areas, these allergens can compound the symptoms caused by ragweed, making allergy management more challenging.
According to Dr. Buxton, individual reactions to pollen of any variety can depend partly on genetics. For example, people who are allergic to ragweed respond by producing immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, whereas those who are not allergic produce a different type of immunoglobulin following exposure.
Additionally, individuals with allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, are not all reacting to the same allergen. Some may be allergic to ragweed, others to tree pollens or mold or any number of other allergens both inside and outside the home. Buxton goes on to say that understanding your susceptibility to particular allergens can help you manage symptoms more effectively by taking measures to avoid or reduce exposures.
Treatments like allergy shots can help prevent irreversible tissue damage that can occur in people with chronic, severe allergies, but pharmacological options remain essential for immediate as well as long term relief. Dr. Buxton urges those who are suffering from chronic allergies to consult an allergist before making any treatment decisions as they can help determine the best approach that is tailored to your individual needs.
By understanding the science behind seasonal allergies, Georgians can take meaningful steps to reduce their exposure and manage symptoms effectively—making it possible to enjoy the state's crisp fall days and colorful scenery with greater comfort and ease.
PCOM Georgia has been serving students and the community for 20 years as a branch campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), a private, not-for-profit, accredited institution of higher education established in 1899. Located in Suwanee (Gwinnett County), PCOM Georgia offers doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy. Graduate degrees are offered in biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science and physician assistant studies. The campus joins PCOM South Georgia in Moultrie in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state. Emphasizing "a whole person" approach to care, PCOM Georgia focuses on educational excellence, interprofessional education and service to the community. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 678-225-7500. The campus is also home to the Georgia Osteopathic Care Center, an osteopathic manipulative medicine clinic, which is open to the public by appointment. For more information, visit pcomgeorgiahealth.org.
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