What is cedar pollen?

In fact, cedar fever is a seasonal allergy brought on by an allergic reaction to the pollen from mountain cedar trees. Mountain cedar grows naturally and is the most allergenic tree in Central Texas.

Keeping this in consideration, how long does cedar pollen last?

The cedar pollination season typically lasts from December through March. But unseasonably warm, dry and windy weather can trigger the release of pollen sooner or intensify the concentration of airborne pollen. Often, the best hope for abating the pollen is rain, which keeps the grains from taking flight.

Beside above, do cedar trees produce pollen? Fact: Only male cedar trees produce pollen. Beginning around December, male mountain cedar trees distribute pollen from small, amber-colored cones at the top the tree. A female mountain cedar tree produces berries containing seeds, but no pollen.

Likewise, what are the symptoms of cedar allergies?

Symptoms sufferers of this allergy may experience include a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, nasal blockage and sneezing. Other reported symptoms include fatigue, headache, facial discomfort, a sore throat, partial loss of smell and a feeling of having plugged ears, according to the Texas MedClinic.

What can I take for cedar allergies?

OTC Remedies

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.

37 Related Question Answers Found

Does rain help cedar allergies?

“If it rains before cedar season, we get more cedar pollen,” Robert Cook, an allergist for the Allergy Partners of Central Texas, told the American-Statesman in 2018. “If it rains during the season, the rain washes away the pollen, and that can help people.

Is cedar dust toxic?

In general, exposure to excessive amounts is considered to have an irritant effect on eyes, nose and throat in addition to pulmonary function impairment and is considered a human carcinogen. Western red cedar dust has also been shown to cause asthma.

Why do cedar trees smoke?

Q: I saw what appeared to be puffs of smoke coming from my cedar trees. The pollen is so abundant that small “clouds” of it are released when a gust of wind shakes the branches of a male cedar tree. After the pollen is shed, the tiny male cones will fall from the trees.

How do people survive cedar fever?

Tips For Surviving Cedar Fever Season

Keep your doors and windows closed.
Change your air conditioning filter often.
Vacuum carpets and dust your home each week.
Take a shower and change your clothes after being outdoors to wash away the pollen that lands on your clothes and in your hair.
Don't forget about your pets!

What allergy medicine works best for mountain cedar?

Older over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can be effective but typically cause drowsiness and other side effects. Newer classes of antihistamines, such as Claritin and Zyrtec, have fewer side effects but may not be as effective for everyone. People with enlarged prostates should avoid antihistamines.

Can cedar fever feel like flu?

The symptoms of Cedar Fever can be brutal but the flu comes with a few extra symptoms. Cedar fever symptoms may include itchy, watery, red eyes; nasal congestion, runny nose and sinus pressure; sneezing; sore throat and fatigue.

How long is cedar season?

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.

Does cedar fever cause cough?

Cedar fever isn't a fever at all, just an allergic reaction to pollen from Central Texas' Ashe juniper tree, commonly known as mountain cedar. Those affected could experience itchy or red eyes, but also suffer stronger symptoms like those from viral infections, such as sneezing or coughing.

How long is juniper pollen season?

One more thing to keep in mind, once the juniper pollen starts, it will likely persist for at least 6-8 weeks. For many the start of juniper pollen season is the start of an allergy season that can last even longer because of allergies to pollen from other trees, grasses, and weeds.

How do you prepare for cedar fever?

Preparing for Cedar Fever Season

Use a saline nasal rinse or irrigation to flush pollen from your nose.
Shower and change clothes after being outdoors.
Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier and clean with a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

What time of year do cedar trees pollinate?

Cedar trees pollinate between December 10th and March 1st, with the highest levels in the first three weeks of January.

What is causing my allergies this time of year?

February. Mold and dust can cause year-round allergy symptoms, but even if dust and mold don't bring on the sniffles for you, trees can cause your allergies to flare at this time of year, depending on where you live. "We can see tree pollen as early as February, even in the Northeast," says Marjorie L.

What allergy is high today in San Antonio?

Ragweed pollen levels will be moderate. Ragweed pollen levels will be moderate. Ragweed pollen levels will be moderate.

What is cedar season?

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

What does mountain cedar look like?

The proper name for mountain cedar is Ashe juniper. This tree is an evergreen, cone-bearing tree or shrub typically measuring 30 feet tall. When driving through the Hill Country, you'll notice mountain cedar trees immediately from their shorter stature, dark green foliage, and peeling bark.

What trees are worst for allergies?

Some of the worst tree allergens include:

alder.
ash.
beech.
birch.
box elder.
cedar.
cottonwood.
date palm.

How do cedar trees pollinate?

This is the time when cedar trees pollinate, releasing countless pollen particles into the air that can travel on the wind for hundreds of miles. Cedar pollen is considered one of the most allergy-inducing pollens due to the large amount of pollen that the trees can produce and the large size of the pollen.