COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A plant that has recently begun blooming in Ohio may cause a plethora of unpleasant symptoms, including fatigue and mood changes. 

Ragweed begins releasing its pollen in early August through November, according to Premier Allergy and Asthma. The plant is one of the most common allergens in the country, causing itchy eyes, a runny nose, congestion, sneezing and itching. 

Ragweed may cause another symptom as well – fatigue. A National Institute of Health study concluded ragweed pollen causes “significant fatigue” and “mood changes,” finding that during ragweed season, allergy patients reported higher levels of tiredness and reduced motivation.

In response to an allergen, the body releases chemicals such as histamine, which can cause bodily inflammation. The inflammation can cause a chain reaction of symptoms, including drowsiness and fatigue, according to the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

Dr. Farah Khan, an allergist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, said symptoms such as a stuffy nose may also lead to poor quality of sleep, resulting in tiredness. 

“Certain medications used to manage seasonal allergies can also cause fatigue,” Khan said. “Seasonal allergies are a significant contributor to missed days from work.”

Khan said pollen levels have been increasing in recent years, with higher temperatures and increased carbon dioxide levels contributing to allergy seasons becoming longer. This has led to not only the production of more pollen, but pollen becoming more allergenic, she said. 

Ragweed specifically is a light pollen that can float hundreds of miles. Any wind or a slight breeze can distribute the pollen farther, Khan said. 

“Heavy downpours can also break up clumps of ragweed pollen, leading to many smaller pollens in the air and when ragweed levels are already quite high, thunderstorms can make symptoms worse because of the increased burden of pollen,” Khan said.

How to tell the difference between allergies and sickness

Once allergy season starts, it can be confusing to differentiate between having allergy symptoms or coming down with an illness such as the common cold or flu. Allergies and illnesses often share multiple symptoms, such as a runny nose, scratchy throat and sneezing. 

A major indicator of being sick vs. experiencing allergies is having a fever. Aches, body pains and chest discomfort can also point to one being sick instead of experiencing allergy symptoms, according to the National Institutes of Health. On the other hand, experiencing itchy eyes could point to one experiencing allergies rather than a cold.

The length of time one experiences symptoms can also help them differentiate if they are experiencing allergies or a cold. Most colds last only a few days to a week, while allergies last several months in most cases, and typically occur at roughly the same time every year. 

How to relieve your allergies 

If one is struggling to control their allergy symptoms, Khan said it is helpful to see an allergist to identify triggers and come up with a specific treatment plan for that individual.  

“Often, we can reach for targeted therapy with various eye drops, nasal sprays, sinus rinses, oral antihistamines in addition to other therapies such as [allergy shots],” Khan said. 

Dr. Mitchell Grayson, chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, told NBC4 in March that limiting exposure to pollen is another way to reduce symptoms. He suggested those with allergies keep the windows in their house and car closed and make sure filters are properly changed on air conditioners and heaters. 

He also said there are several effective over-the-counter treatments for allergies, including antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Allegra and intranasal steroids like Flonase and Nasacort. He said the key to the nasal steroids is taking them daily, starting 1-2 weeks before one’s allergies typically begin.