Ragweed allergy

Ragweed allergy (Ambrosia) is one of the most aggressive late-summer allergens in Croatia. Ragweed pollen triggers intense symptoms from August to October, and just a few grains per m³ of air are enough to cause a strong allergic reaction. Ragweed is an invasive plant that has spread particularly across Slavonia and continental Croatia since the 2000s.

Symptoms of ragweed allergy include very intense sneezing (often in fits), a heavily runny nose, strong watering and redness of the eyes, coughing and a feeling of breathlessness. Ragweed often worsens asthma and can trigger the first attacks in people who previously had no asthmatic problems. Symptoms are more intense on dry, windy late-summer days.

The ragweed season lasts from early August to mid-October, peaking in late August and early September. In Slavonia and eastern Croatia, concentrations regularly exceed the high-level threshold (>20 grains/m³). Ragweed flowers longer than most other weeds - the first frost ends the season.

The most ragweed is found in Slavonia (especially along roads, railway lines and farmland), the Posavina region, and the wider area around Zagreb and Velika Gorica. Slavonski Brod, Osijek and Vinkovci traditionally have the highest concentrations in Croatia. Dalmatia and the islands have far less ragweed.

During the ragweed season, stay indoors on days with strong wind and high temperatures. Follow the pollen forecast and avoid areas with large stretches of weeds (e.g. neglected plots, roadsides). Immunotherapy (allergen vaccine) is the most effective long-term treatment for ragweed allergy - consider it if your symptoms have lasted for several years.

Ragweed pollen can cross-react with watermelon, melon, cucumber, banana and sunflower seeds in some allergy sufferers.

Other allergens