• Allergies

Do I Have a Mugwort Allergy?

During the spring and summer, it can be difficult to determine what exactly is making you sneeze and blow your nose constantly. An allergy to a specific protein can cause symptoms from certain foods and grass pollens.

Mugwort is a plant native to parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It’s also grown in several parts of the United States. In some parts of the world, mugwort is used as a medicinal remedy for digestion. Those allergic to mugwort may experience symptoms during the spring in the U.S. when the pollen count is the highest.

Many people do not realize they are allergic to certain types of pollen. Mugwort, birch, and alder tree pollen allergies are known as oral allergy syndrome (OAS) or pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS). These types of pollen can cause a cross-reactive allergic reaction to fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other plants. When this happens, it’s hard to tell which allergen is the one causing symptoms.

What are Mugwort Allergy Symptoms?

The immune system identifies a specific protein in mugwort as harmful when you have a mugwort allergy. Substances with the chemical makeup of that same protein can cause symptoms similar to seasonal allergies.

When eating foods or interacting with plants connected to your mugwort allergy, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Skin rash

• Itchy mouth

• Sneezing

• Wheezing

• Watery eyes

• Nasal congestion

• Runny nose

• Trouble sleeping

When is Mugwort Allergy Season?

Symptoms from a mugwort allergy become the most severe during the summer and fall months in the U.S. During this time, mugwort trees produce wind-borne pollen that can easily enter the nasal passages.

A mugwort pollen map may give a clearer picture of pollen distribution in different parts of the United States. This may help you plan for how to prevent allergy symptoms. Mugwort may also cause a weed pollen allergy. Weeds tend to grow near roadsides and abandoned areas.

Foods to Avoid with a Mugwort Allergy

Some foods are more likely to lead to a reaction than others. The following foods are commonly associated with oral allergy syndrome (OAS):

• Mangoes

• Peaches

• Zucchini 

• Tomato

• Hazelnut

• Peanut

While these foods are most commonly associated with a mugwort allergy, they are not the only foods that may trigger symptoms. Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if any foods lead to throat and mouth itchiness.

How to Diagnose Mugwort Allergy

An allergy test detects any possible allergies on the surface of your skin. A healthcare provider places a small amount of different allergens on one of your arms during the test. 

If the skin reacts, they will know that you most likely have an allergy to that substance. There are also allergy blood tests that detect allergens.

Treatment for Mugwort Allergy

Many OTC allergy medications may help relieve allergy symptoms. These medications target symptoms like watery eyes, nasal congestion, and runny nose. 

• Antihistamines: Popular OTC medications like Claritin (loratadine), Benadryl (diphenhydramine), and Allegra (fexofenadine) reduce the chemical histamine in the body.

• Nasal sprays: Saline nasal sprays may help relieve nasal congestion and inflammation in the nasal passages. You may purchase OTC nasal sprays or make a nasal spray mixture at home.

• Eye drops: OTC eye drops may help relieve redness and irritation in the eyes from mugwort pollen.

• Decongestants: Short-term medications taken to reduce stuffiness in the nose.

How to Prevent Mugwort Allergy Symptoms

During high pollen count seasons, you can prevent mugwort allergy symptoms by taking steps to reduce your exposure. You can start by checking the local pollen count in your area to know how to prepare for being outdoors.

Consider wearing a mask outdoors if you are going to be outside for an extended time. When indoors, keep windows and doors closed. You may also want to consider having a fan or air purifier on to keep the air as clear as possible. 

Be sure to remove clothes and shower as soon as you come home to prevent pollen from existing inside the home. If you have pets, it may help to wipe pollen off of them as well before they come indoors.

How LifeMD Can Help

A mugwort allergy tends to trigger allergy symptoms in the summertime. At LifeMD, a licensed healthcare provider may offer you tips on preparing for allergy season.

Schedule an appointment today to learn more about dealing with mugwort allergy symptoms.

LifeMD makes it easy to stay on top of your health because talking to a doctor, filling your prescriptions, getting your labs done—and more—are all easy and cost-effective. Come discover a healthcare solution built around you and your life.

Connect with a doctor now!

Join Now

Text

Call