Mountain cedar trees blooming in Texas
Got a runny nose, itchy eyes and generally feel bad? It could be cedar fever. Experts say the mountain cedar trees in Texas are currently blooming.
DALLAS – With winter upon us, cedar fever season is in full swing across the Lone Star State.
Cedar allergies are an allergic reaction to pollen from mountain cedar trees or juniper trees.
Dr. Ronald Cox said the allergy is unique to Texas due to the juniper blooming from December to January.
He said typically, the allergens tick up towards the end of December. But this year, they started at the beginning of December.
“What’s unique about cedar fever is it actually feels like you do have a fever and wipes people out,” Dr. Cox said. “This one actually makes you feel bad.”
This year’s cedar fever season is expected to peak at the end of December or in the first few weeks of January.
Cedar Allergy Symptoms
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, cedar fever can sometimes cause symptoms that are similar to the flu or COVID-19, such as fever, aches and pains, a sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, or the loss of smell.
But unlike the flu or COVID-19, it also causes blocked nasal passages itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and an itchy sensation all over. People with cedar fever have clear mucus and a fever that’s typically lower than 101.5.
Cedar Fever Treatment
There are things Texans can do to alleviate cedar fever symptoms. Dr. Cox said it often depends on what those look like.
“A lot of people will have itchy, runny, sneeze, and if that’s your main complaint, the over-the-counter antihistamines work well for that,” he said.
Dr. Cox said if your main concern is itchy or watery eyes, he recommends over-the-counter eye drops.
To avoid allergy symptoms, he also recommends keeping your windows and doors closed on days with high pollen counts.
You can find an Allergy Report on the FOX 4 Weather page or on Pollen.com.
