About the allergen in ragweed
The allergen in ragweed is typically a protein called Art v 1. It is one of several proteins found in the pollen from this plant and is a common cause of allergic reactions in people who are allergic to pollen.
When a person who is allergic to Art v 1 is exposed to pollen from ragweed, the immune system reacts by producing antibodies against the protein. This can lead to allergic symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and difficulty breathing.
How can I find out if I'm allergic to ragweed?
A blood test can be used to investigate an allergy to ragweed by measuring the levels of specific antibodies in the blood that are associated with allergic reactions to ragweed. The test is called a specific IgE test.
The results of the test will show whether you have an allergic reaction to ragweed or not. If the levels of specific IgE antibodies are high, it may indicate that you are allergic to ragweed.
It is important to note that the result of an IgE test does not always correlate completely with allergy symptoms and that the test is only part of the investigation process.
If you take a test for ragweed allergy and it turns out that your IgE antibodies are elevated, you can show your results to a doctor or allergist who can help you with a complete evaluation and potential treatment.
