mountain cedar allergy

Pollen from mountain cedar is responsible for the mid-winter phenomenon known as cedar fever in central Texas. Pollen is released during December and January and can be carried by prevailing winds all over Texas and beyond. Symptoms include runny nose, a sore throat, and incessant sneezing.

How do you treat mountain cedar allergies?

Over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants in pill, spray or eye drop form may help control symptoms. Nasal irrigation is a drug-free remedy, a commercial squeeze bottle, bulb syringe or neti pot can be used to pour saline solution into the nasal passages and wash out the allergens and excess mucus.

How do you know if you're allergic to mountain cedar?

Cedar fever symptoms may include itchy, watery, red eyes; nasal congestion, runny nose and sinus pressure; sneezing; sore throat and fatigue. Despite its name, cedar fever doesn't cause a fever, but inflammation triggered by the allergic reaction may raise the body temperature slightly.

What is the best allergy medicine for mountain cedar?

“If you know you are allergic to cedar, it's best to start them around Thanksgiving to give your body time to acclimate and create the block needed to stop the allergic reaction.” Over-the-counter nasal steroids include Flonase, Nasacort Allergy 24HR, and Rhinocort. Prescription nasal steroids are also available.

How long is cedar allergy season?

Cedar season typically starts in early December and lasts through mid-February. The peek of the cedar season is usually the first two weeks of January.

Does rain help cedar allergies?

Rain typically brings in relief from cedar pollen levels because rain helps settle the pollen down. Friday afternoon's storms have many wondering if we will see levels drop. The short answer is yes. Levels will probably drop thanks to the 1/4 to 3/4 of an inch of rain accumulation that is expected.

What is a natural remedy for cedar fever?

Here are some natural alternatives for your arsenal against cedar fever and other seasonal allergies, from the medicinal to the nontraditional.

Massage. Myo Massage — lymphatic drainage massage ($40 and up) ...
Acupuncture. ...
Herbal supplements. ...
Pollen serum. ...
Allergy shots. ...
Allergy drops. ...
Other remedies. ...
Greens.

Does mountain cedar make you cough?

Nose Symptoms: Cedar allergy causes inflammation in nose and sinus mucus membrane resulting in nasal blockage and increased mucus. Because the pollen counts are heavy, it causes severe sneezing, nasal itching, runny nose, nasal blockage. As the drainage tickles down the throat, significant cough can develop.

When does mountain cedar bloom?

Cedar season typically starts in early December and lasts through mid-February. The peek of the cedar season is usually the second week of January. Mountain Cedar is found across the Central Texas landscape. Since it is local, a strong wind is not needed to stir up the pollen count.

Why is it called cedar fever?

Mountain cedar allergy sweeps through, primarily, Texas during the winter months, causing misery to many people. This widespread sickness, often called “cedar fever,” is actually an allergic reaction to the pollen released from ashe juniper (mountain cedar) trees.

What is the strongest allergy medicine?

Best Overall: Allegra Adult 24-Hour Allergy Relief. ...
Best Prescription-Strength: Zyrtec Prescription-Strength Allergy Medicine Tablets. ...
Best for Kids: Children's Zyrtec Allergy Relief Syrup. ...
Best Non-Drowsy: Claritin 24-Hour Allergy Reditabs. ...
Best All-Day Relief: GoodSense All Day Allergy.

Is Juniper the same as mountain cedar?

Despite its common name, the mountain cedar is actually a juniper (Juniperus ashei).

Which antihistamine is best for tree pollen?

Treatments for pollen allergies include: Over-the-counter antihistamine medications, such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin). A person should start taking these medications a few weeks before allergy season begins.

What are the worst months for pollen?

What Season is the Worst for Allergies?

April. ...
May. ...
June. ...
August. ...
September. ...
October. ...
November. Your pets will be indoors with you a lot more in November. ...
December. The cold of December could still bring about mold allergies, but also Christmas trees, pinecones, and other holiday decorations (including their dust) could spark a few allergy attacks.

When does mountain cedar season end?

While cedar season spans from the end of November until March, the peak months are December through February.

How far can cedar pollen travel?

Scientists say the pollen from an erupting tree can travel at least 300 miles.

When are dust allergies The worst?

If you suffer from allergies, your symptoms most likely get worse at night. This is something you share with other allergy patients. In fact, research shows that 74% of allergy sufferers wake up during the night because of allergy symptoms and over 90% of sufferers have difficulty sleeping.

Why do my allergies get worse at night?

Warm temperatures push pollen into the air, but cooler evening air means that pollen falls back down to cover outdoor surfaces at night. If you collect pollen (or other allergens) in your hair or clothes over the course of the day, it can cause bedtime allergy symptoms once you're in for the night.

Why are my allergies so bad when it rains?

Despite what you might think, the rain actually makes allergy symptoms worse for most people, instead of better. That's because the rain bursts the pollen particles prior to washing them away, putting higher concentrations of particles into the air.

How do you beat cedar fever?

Tips to Beat Cedar Fever

Keep your windows and doors closed.
If you spend any time outdoors, bathe and if necessary wash your hair to remove all the cedar pollen and allergens.
Remove shoes, sweaters and coats when you come inside. ...
Rinse your sinuses out daily with a Neti pot to reduce exposure.

What can I take for juniper allergies?

Nasal steroid sprays are available as an allergy treatment by prescription only. Many of these allergy medicines work better if you start taking them even before you are exposed to allergens such as juniper pollen. Eye drops can help with itchy, watery eyes that are the most common side effect of juniper allergies.

Is there a shot for cedar fever?

The ExACT Immunoplasty is a three-shot series injected directly into lymph nodes.