Ragweed is in bloom again, says Dr. Steven Rogstad, a professor of biological sciences at the University of Cincinnati, and odds are it's the reason you'll be sneezing until early October.

Ragweed reproduces by wind pollination, Rogstad says, which means it has to pump out billions of pollen grains that are carried hundreds of miles to make little ragweed plants.

"If you look at wind-pollinated plants, they don't have large, attractive flowers and they don't offer any nectar or other rewards for animals that pollinate other plants," Rogstad says.

Wendy Hunt has been under attack by ragweed for the last couple of weeks. Hunt, 31, of Hyde Park, is one of thousands of people in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky suffering a runny nose and itchy eyes because of the plant's noxious pollen.

"I hate ragweed," she says. "It's absolutely useless and it makes too many people suffer. And it's ugly. It would be one thing if it were nice to look at, but it's not, so I don't see the point."

Ragweed is highly allergenic to many people because there's so much of it, says Dr. Allen Seiden, an ear, nose and throat specialist at the University of Cincinnati.

Possible relief

Luckily, there are plenty of remedies to counter its itchy effects, says Dr. Tom Fischer, an allergist with Group Health Associates in Kenwood.

• Antihistamines: The best-known over-the-counter options are Benadryl, which makes some people drowsy, and Claritin, which usually doesn't cause drowsiness. Allergists usually recommend taking Claritin before allergens begin blooming to give it time to take effect. Prescription antihistamines are also effective, but now that Claritin is available over-the-counter, health insurance might not cover prescription drugs for seasonal allergies.

• Decongestants: These clear your sinuses and ease the headache many allergy sufferers feel. Sudafed, or pseudoephedrine, is available without a prescription and works well for many people.

• Nasal-inhaled corticosteroids: These nasal sprays reduce and control the substances that cause inflammation in the nose, easing itching, runny nose and congestion.

• Leukotriene modifiers: These block leukotrienes, the components that trigger allergy symptoms and inflammation, which in turn prevents itching, sneezing and congestion.

• Allergen immunotherapy: Shots help strengthen the immune system against specific allergens, lessening the need for medications over a period of years.

• Nasal washes: Most are just a mix of salt and water and can be stirred together at home. They can be helpful to wash pollen out and help ease dry nasal passages.

Herbs, vitamins may help, too

Hunt relies on herbal remedies and vitamins to strengthen her immune system and lessen her symptoms. She uses a multivitamin and extra doses of vitamins A and C, along with milk thistle, hawthorne, luteine, billberry and other supplements. Since she started the regimen, she says, her allergy symptoms have eased and haven't turned into sinus infections - something she used to suffer regularly during allergy seasons.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications "always made me feel nauseous and dizzy and my head was not clear," she says. "And I either didn't sleep well or slept too much."

Easing the sneezing

Tips from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology for controlling allergy symptoms:

• Check the pollen counts daily. When counts are low, enjoy the outdoors. Stay inside when pollen levels are highest, usually 5-10 a.m.

• Keep the windows closed and use air conditioning in the home. Cover the air conditioning vents with filters and change or clean the filters often.

• In the car, keep the windows rolled up and use the air conditioner to reduce pollen exposure.

• Shower and wash your hair daily to rinse away pollen. Change clothes after coming inside, but not in the bedroom - you don't want pollen building up in the area where you sleep.

• Avoid freshly cut grass and use a pollen-filtering mask while doing yard work.

• Dry laundry indoors, not on an outdoor line. Pollen can collect on clothing and linens.

• If your pets spend time outside, bathe them regularly to rinse pollen out of fur. Also, keep your pets out of the bedroom.

Other allergy culprits

Pollen isn't the only thing that causes allergic rhinitis. Here are some other common offenders, frequently found inside the home and office:

• Molds: Inside, molds are happy in dark, damp places like basements, bathrooms (especially shower stalls), houseplants, closets, air conditioners, mattresses, upholstered furniture and old foam pillows.

• Dust mites: These microscopic critters live wherever dust gathers, especially on bedding, upholstered furniture and carpet.

• Cockroaches: Their eggs and waste products, as well as the powdery residue from their decomposing carcasses, can cause allergies.

• Pets: Dogs, cats, rabbits, gerbils and other furry friends can cause allergy symptoms.

Source: The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

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