‘Bumper crop’ of ragweed pollen expected this year

Here’s something to sneeze at — an allergy expert predicts this will be a record ragweed season in New Jersey.

Ragweed pollen in the Garden State began causing trouble about a week earlier than usual this year and the pollen count is on the rise, says Dr. Leonard Bielory, an allergy specialist at the Rutgers Center for Environmental Prediction.

 

“It looks like it’s going to be a real bumper crop to end the summer. It has been in the mild to moderate, and it’s going to go into moderate and severe starting now,” he said.

The ragweed season normally lasts two to three weeks, but Bielory says this year it could persist for up to two months.

Ragweed pollen can cause itchiness, sneezing and watery eyes for those with allergies.

Eye drops can provide some relief, but if that doesn’t produce results within a few days Bielory recommends going to doctor for additional treatment.