Cedar Fever Survival Guide: How to Conquer Texas Allergies Like a Pro
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Here we are again…that time of year when we’re fighting the urge to scratch our eyes out, look like we’ve been sobbing uncontrollably, and are drenching our eyes with drops.
Many of us Texans welcome the much-needed reprieve from the hot summer sun as cooler winter weather rolls in. While we can now go for afternoon walks outside, send the kids out to play, and look forward to relaxing comfortably on our patios, we trade the extreme heat waves for the waves of pollen that bring seasonal allergies.
In North Central Texas, one of the most notorious allergens is Mountain Cedar (1). It releases its pollen in droves during the late fall and winter months, causing what’s commonly referred to as “cedar fever.” To keep us on our toes, the symptoms of allergies often mimic those of the common cold, making it essential to distinguish between the two and identify the right treatment plan.
In today’s article, we’ll discuss the key allergy symptoms to watch for, the most common allergens during this season, and practical strategies for managing symptoms and finding relief so you can enjoy another beautiful Texas winter.
4 Facts You Need to Know about Texas Allergens
Photo by Nita
The top winter allergen in Texas is Mountain Cedar, also known as “cedar fever”. We have an abundance of Ashe Juniper trees, known as Mountain Cedar, native to Central Texas and the Hill Country. These trees love our unique rocky limestone soil and our rolling terrain that creates an ideal environment for their growth. Because there are many trees releasing pollen at the same time, the high concentration overwhelms our immune system.
The peak pollen season is December - February. Mountain Cedar trees release their pollen in the winter months. This is unique because most other plants pollinate in the spring and summer. Because we have cool winters and mild temperatures in Texas, it allows the trees to release massive amounts of pollen. It’s often visible as yellow clouds during peak season.
Pollen can travel for miles beyond the areas where the trees grow. Our strong southern winds and dry conditions further disperse the lightweight pollen particles. In Hill Country, the elevation changes and open landscapes amplify the spread of pollen. The geography naturally funnels pollen through valleys and into surrounding areas.
We don’t experience the freezing weather that helps kill or suppress pollen production. Central and North Texas typically have mild winters with few freezing days. This allows Mountain Cedar to flourish and pollinate without disruption.
What other winter allergies are common in Texas?
In North Central Texas, we also have to be aware of a few additional allergens, especially as we close the windows and turn on the heat.
Mold spores arise with damp weather or decaying leaves.
Dust mites are often stirred up indoors when turning on the heat.
Pet dander can cause irritation when pets are indoors with doors and windows closed.
2 Key Differences between the Common Cold and Allergies
Allergies have persistent symptoms, typically without a fever, and are caused by specific triggers like pollen. Symptoms may seem to last longer than a cold due to the ongoing exposure to environmental allergens.
Colds can have the presence of a fever, body aches, and shorter duration (typically 7-10 days) as the virus runs its course.
Mountain Cedar symptoms are similar to typical allergens but nasal congestion can be severe. The irritation can cause intense headaches and sinus pressure. Similar to a common cold, it may also result in a mild fever, which can sometimes be mistaken as an illness.
Typical allergy symptoms include:
Sneezing, nasal congestion, and runny nose.
Itchy or watery eyes.
Scratchy throat.
Fatigue from prolonged inflammation.
Keys to Successfully Navigating Allergy Season
Photo by Min An
While living in a bubble may seem like the best option to protect yourself, there are a variety of lifestyle adjustments that you can make during allergy season to successfully manage your exposure to allergens without having to hide or leave town.
When pollen counts are high, it is beneficial to stay indoors and equip your house with HEPA filters. Basic filters are accessible and affordable and help combat allergens. According to the World Health Network, “HEPA filters are designed to capture and trap microscopic particles that can adversely affect our health, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and even bacteria and viruses carried by aerosols.”
If you are outdoors enjoying the much-anticipated fall and winter weather by playing sports, mowing the lawn, raking the leaves, or having outdoor campfires, remember to shower, change, and wash your clothes after outdoor exposure to rinse off the allergen particles.
Manage symptoms using over-the-counter remedies like antihistamines and decongestants.
Histamine is a chemical that sends messages within the cells of your immune system that result in the symptoms you experience with allergies. Antihistamines block the histamine receptors, effectively preventing you from experiencing the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Decongestants like nasal sprays typically help to open up your sinuses by reducing the swelling of blood vessels in your nose. They help to clear both stuffy and runny noses. Just be aware that if you use decongestant nasal sprays for over several weeks, your nose can get “addicted” to them.
Nasal steroid sprays like Fluticasone are a great option as well. They take a few days to work, so I usually recommend patients to take them for the entire season. They are very safe and can really help, especially reducing nasal obstruction.
If you’re unsure of what medications to consider, check out my guide to antihistamines!
Develop a long-term strategy and personally targeted approach.
Allergy testing can help identify the specific types of allergens that cause your reactions. This will assist you and your doctor in developing a customized and targeted plan to manage your symptoms moving forward. There are various methods like skin prick test, intradermal skin test, and patch test that expose you to various allergens and monitor for a reaction.
Allergy shots are also a long-term option that is used to decrease the response of your immune system to allergens. This is typically a 3-5-year plan that comes with additional cost but may have great rewards. Over time, your body increases its tolerance to the allergen. By injecting small doses of the allergen, your immune system strengthens to the point where you have minimal to no reaction when exposed to the allergen.
Stay Cool and Beat Allergy Season with these Few Final Tips
Be Prepared. Stock up on antihistamines, like nasal sprays and decongestants. Use HEPA filters to increase your success in combating allergens indoors.
Be Alert. Use your local resources and allergy forecast tools to monitor pollen counts and plan accordingly.
Seek Medical Advice. If you're concerned about persistent or severe symptoms, reach out to your doctor. Your doctor can help distinguish between cold symptoms and allergies and discuss long-term immunotherapy options.
Preparing for allergy season or expecting an allergic reaction to pets? Check out my video for medication options and how they work.
Give me a call today to discuss at 817-261-3000 and click here to subscribe to my YouTube channel today for more helpful information!