Pigweed is a globally distributed and aggressive weed. It has strong vitality and high reproductive capacity. In addition to its significant inhibitory effect on other wild plants, the pollen of pigweed also poses a great threat to our health.
Characteristics of Pigweed
Pigweed is an annual herb that prefers moist conditions and is resistant to drought. Experts warn that the trifoliate pigweed should not be touched, as it poses a great threat to agriculture.
Due to its strong root system and large above-ground biomass, pigweed grows vigorously and competes with crops for water and nutrients. It releases various substances that have a significant inhibitory effect on cultivated crops and wild plants, quickly overwhelming local annual plants.
The stem, node, branch, and root can all grow adventitious roots. After cutting and pressing cuttings, new plants can form. Pigweed is commonly found in fields, roadsides, or wetlands near rivers. It flowers from August to September and bears fruit from September to October.
As a malignant weed, pigweed also exhibits strong vitality and high reproductive capacity. A single pigweed plant can produce thousands of seeds, which can be spread everywhere by wind, humans, livestock, birds, and water currents. Broken pigweed can grow more new branches from its root stubs.
Harmful Effects of Pigweed
The direct harm of pigweed to the human body comes from the pollen released after flowering. The pollen of pigweed contains water-soluble proteins, which can be rapidly released upon contact with humans, causing allergic reactions.
Pigweed is the main pathogen causing autumn pollen allergies, leading to the harmful "hay fever." Mild cases can cause coughing and wheezing, while severe cases can cause emphysema, with the condition worsening year after year upon reinfection.
Pigweed pollen is the main pathogen causing a series of allergic reactions known as hay fever. The density of pigweed pollen grains in the air can reach 40-50 grains per cubic meter, leading to hay fever (autumn pollen allergy) in the population.
Clinical manifestations of patients include itching of the eyes, ears, and nose, sneezing, runny nose, headache, and fatigue. Some may experience chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
Prolonged untreated cases can lead to complications such as emphysema and pulmonary heart disease, causing immense suffering and even death. Pigweed plants and pollen can also cause some people to develop allergic dermatitis, resulting in "eczema" all over the body.
Symptoms of Pigweed Allergy
The symptoms of pigweed allergy are as follows: after inhaling pigweed pollen, people may experience nasal itching, throat itching, eye itching, continuous sneezing, runny nose, and coughing. They may then feel chest tightness and wheezing, and in severe cases, it can lead to emphysema, pulmonary heart disease, etc.
Traditional medicine has not found effective means to cure allergies for a long time. The use of a large amount of antihistamines and hormone drugs only provides temporary relief and has severe side effects, especially impacting the development of infants, children, and adolescents.
Pigweed does not grow in winter, so there is no widespread pollen in the air during this season. Citizens rarely experience pigweed allergy symptoms in winter. "Wearing masks or taking anti-allergy medication is the simplest way for citizens to alleviate allergy symptoms."
