It's the peak of summer and soon, it will also be the peak of flowering of a plant that has cause much suffering for people with hay fever: ragweed. Each year, this plant blooms around mid-August and sets off sneezing and wheezing in thousands of people across the country. Have a good look at the photo, and study your enemy.

For people who show allergic reactions to ragweed, the problem doesn't stop at the pollen; they may also exhibit what is called an oral allergy syndrome (OAS), a cross-reaction that results to itchiness in the mouth and throat, accomanied by mild swelling when consuming certain food items. People with hay fever triggered by ragweed pollen may experience OAS when eating:

• Banana
• cucumber
• Melon
• Zucchini
• Sunflower seeds
• Chamomile tea
• Echinacea

Ragweed allergies and oral allergy syndrome is AAAAI's topic of the month. Head over there to read about this type of allergy, how to avoid it, and how to treat it.

[Photo: Weed Science Society of America]