The winter months should be a time of joy in Central Texas. You can celebrate the holidays and enjoy cooler outdoor temperatures. But, if you’re an allergy sufferer, you’ll spend more time inside dodging pollen than outside loving the weather. Don’t worry. We’ll show you how to get through mountain cedar season comfortably.

What is Mountain Cedar Season?

Mountain cedar season is the time period when cedar trees drop their pollen. Though the season spans November to March, the most intense months are typically December, January, and February. The pollen travels far – especially when it’s windy – and causes many people to suffer from cedar fever.

What is Cedar Fever?

Cedar fever is an allergic reaction to cedar tree pollen. Your immune system views the substance as a threat and kicks into high gear to get rid of it. As a result of your system’s overreaction, you develop symptoms.

Symptoms

Mountain Cedar Fever Symptoms

Cedar fever doesn’t actually give you a fever, but it does come with:

  • runny or stuffy nose
  • itchy, watery eyes
  • frequent sneezing

If you have a strong allergic reaction, you may also:

  • feel tired or lack energy
  • have a sore or scratchy throat
  • have a diminished sense of smell
  • feel like your ears are blocked

Treatment

Depending on how severe your allergy is, you have a few treatment options. Often, you can manage your symptoms by using over the counter antihistamines or decongestants. You can also try nasal irrigation via a bulb syringe or neti pot. 

You may buy a pre-mixed nasal irrigation solution like NeilMed or make your own. Combine one teaspoon of baking soda with three teaspoons of iodide-free salt. Then, stir in one teaspoon of this mixture into eight ounces of room temperature distilled water. If treating a child, or if the solution causes discomfort, use half a teaspoon of the dry ingredients.

If those strategies don’t bring relief, your doctor can prescribe stronger, longer-lasting medication. They may also give you a series of allergy shots. That way, you gradually develop an immunity to the pollen.

Prevention

Preventing Mountain Cedar Fever Symptoms

Dealing with allergies can make it difficult to handle everyday life. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce your exposure to the cedar pollen allergen:

  • Cut down cedar trees on your property and plant different species
  • Stay inside as much as possible
  • Take a shower immediately after coming indoors
  • Give your pets regular baths – especially if they go outside
  • Close doors and windows to block pollen from entering your home
  • Run your central air (bonus points if it has a HEPA filter)
  • Put an air purifier in rooms you spend a lot of time in
  • Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter 
  • Dust with a damp rag
  • Change central air and air purifier filters often

Bonus Resource: Track pollen counts in your area here so you know when to double down on your prevention efforts.

Final Thoughts

Winter in Central Texas isn’t a fun time if you’re a cedar fever sufferer. If over the counter medication hasn’t alleviated your symptoms, we’re here to help. We can show you how to get through mountain cedar season. With a few tweaks to your treatment regimen and daily routine, you’ll be feeling better fast.