Lambsquarter Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

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What is lamb’s quarters?

Lamb’s quarters is also known as goosefoot or pigweed. It is a type of weed that is fast-growing. Each plant can produce between 75,000 and 100,000 seeds, really keeping true to the weed name. Most of the plant is edible and has a similar taste and texture to spinach. However, if you have allergies to ragweed pollen or other weeds, you should probably avoid eating lamb's quarters. It’s also known for having medicinal properties that can treat inflammation—but again, only if you don't have an allergy to it. It’s also known for its distinct smell when crushed, which is often described as musky. This scent could be the cause of allergic reactions in allergy sufferers.

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When is lamb’s quarter season?

Since lamb’s quarters are weeds, they mainly begin pollinating in the late spring to early summer season with the rest of the weeds. However, in certain areas where the weather is temperate, it could stick around for a lot longer until the weather begins to cool down in early fall. This could be late May through October for those areas with temperate climates, like Texas or Florida. Lamb’s quarters pollen allergy season typically peaks during May and June. If you’re unsure of when Lamb’s quarters are high in your area, download our free allergen calendar!

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Where does lamb’s quarters grow?

Lamb’s quarters is an extremely common weed that can be found across the US. It can grow just about anywhere, even in the poorest of soils, due to its long taproot. This allows it to grow and produce a lot of volume at an accelerated rate, which can cause problems for allergy sufferers. It’s often found along roadsides, in gardens, on lawns, on newly cultivated land, and in many other areas.

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What are lamb’s quarters allergy symptoms?

Lamb’s quarter allergy symptoms look very similar to those of allergic rhinitis. This includes:

• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Congestion
• Sneezing 
• Allergy headaches
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Allergy-induced asthma

During lamb’s quarter peak season, symptoms can get worse and more severe due to the volume of pollen being released.

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What can I do to prevent my lamb’s quarter allergy?

• Plan your day accordingly. By using apps like pollen.com, you can check how high the pollen levels are and plan your day around that. Remember that pollen levels are typically highest from early morning to late afternoon.
  
  

• Get an allergy test. At Aspire Allergy & Sinus, we believe that the first step to limiting your exposure to allergens is to identify exactly what you're allergic to. That's why we offer allergy tests for a variety of common allergens, including lamb's quarter!
  
  

• Vacuum frequently. Tiny pollen particles can get trapped in the fibers of your carpet, couches, and curtains. Vacuum and dust in these areas often so they do not harbor any more pollen.

• Wash your hair.  Since lamb’s quarter pollen is so small and lightweight, it can stick to almost anything, including your hair. It is critical to rinse and wash your hair to avoid bringing pollen indoors.
  
  

• Using a HEPA air purifier can remove up to 99.99% of pollen in the air, so if you do bring pollen indoors, an air purifier will help eliminate it from the air.
  
  

• Keep all windows closed. Keep all windows closed, especially while driving. It might seem nice to let the summer breeze in, but that will also let pollen in, triggering an increase in your allergy symptoms.
  
  

• Take off outerwear when coming in from outside. This includes jackets, shoes, and hats to avoid tracking pollen inside and being surrounded by pollen all day.

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Lamb’s quarters allergy treatments

Short term treatments for lamb’s quarter allergies:

Over-the-counter medications: Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and decongestants can provide quick, temporary relief from allergy symptoms. While these medications may allow you to get through a busy day or night, they only mask symptoms, not treat the root cause.

Nasal Sprays: Nasal sprays are a helpful treatment for congestion and allergy symptoms. Nasal sprays can reduce swelling in the nose and sinus passages, allowing you to breathe more easily.

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Long-term treatments for lamb’s quarter allergies:

Immunotherapy is also known as allergy shots. Allergy shots are a great way to treat your allergies at their root cause. Allergy shots work by desensitizing your immune system to the allergen you are allergic to. This means that over time, your body will become less reactive to that allergen. The process is called immunotherapy because it changes the way your immune system reacts to allergens. These shots are administered either weekly or biweekly in the office and are a great way to create an allergy treatment routine!

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Sublingual immunotherapy If you’re looking for a way to treat your allergies without shots, then sublingual immunotherapy is the right option for you. Sublingual immunotherapy is also known as allergy drops. These work in the same way as allergy shots, except these are shotless and painless! Allergy drops are taken by placing three drops under your tongue. They can be taken on the go and come in five different flavors (strawberry, raspberry, grape, watermelon, and cherry).

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ExACT Immunoplasty is our newest treatment! ExACT is the fastest and, some say, easiest allergy treatment. This treatment consists of three shots given over an eight-week period to provide allergy relief! Clinical studies have shown that this treatment is just as effective as three years' worth of allergy shots, in just a fraction of the time! If you’re looking for quick and effective allergy relief, this is the option for you.

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Weed season can be pretty brutal depending on how bad your allergies are, and it’s not always the easiest to manage. But by keeping a few things in mind and following some simple steps, your seasonal allergies don't have to get in the way of your outdoor enjoyment. There are ways to treat your allergies; it’s time to take the first step towards your new life. Book your appointment online today!