Cedar fever is a seasonal allergic reaction to the pollen produced by mountain cedar trees, which are found primarily in central Texas, Oklahoma, and parts of Arkansas and Missouri. The condition is called “cedar fever” because the symptoms can be similar to those of a cold or flu, including nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, headaches, fatigue, and body aches. Some people may also experience itchy or watery eyes, runny nose, and postnasal drip.

Cedar fever usually occurs in the winter months, from December to February, when the mountain cedar trees release large amounts of pollen into the air. The pollen can travel long distances and can be present in the air even in areas where the trees are not located.

Cedar fever can be managed with over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays. People with severe symptoms may need prescription medications or allergy shots. It’s also helpful to avoid outdoor activities during peak pollen times and to keep indoor spaces clean and free of dust and other allergens.

What are symptoms of cedar fever?

Cedar fever is a seasonal allergic reaction to the pollen produced by mountain cedar trees, and the symptoms can be similar to those of a cold or flu. Here are some common symptoms of cedar fever:

  • Nasal congestion: Cedar fever can cause nasal congestion, making it difficult to breathe through your nose.
  • Sneezing: You may experience frequent sneezing as your body tries to expel the irritants.
  • Coughing: You may experience a dry cough or coughing due to postnasal drip.
  • Sore throat: Cedar fever can cause a sore throat due to the postnasal drip irritating the back of your throat.
  • Headaches: Cedar fever can cause headaches, which may be mild to severe.
  • Fatigue: You may feel fatigued and tired due to your body’s immune response.
  • Body aches: Cedar fever can cause body aches, which may be mild to severe.
  • Itchy or watery eyes: Some people may experience itchy or watery eyes due to the pollen irritants.
  • Runny nose: You may experience a runny nose due to the increased production of mucus.

Symptoms of cedar fever usually last for a few weeks or until the end of the cedar pollen season. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention.

How long does it take for cedar fever to go away?

Cedar fever is a seasonal allergy caused by the pollen of mountain cedar trees, and the duration of symptoms can vary from person to person. In general, cedar fever symptoms may last from a few days up to several weeks, depending on the severity of the allergy and the individual’s immune system response.

Typically, the peak cedar pollen season in central Texas, where mountain cedar trees are prevalent, is from December to February. Symptoms may start to appear a few days after exposure to the pollen and can persist for several weeks, even after the pollen counts have decreased.

Treatment for cedar fever may include over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays to relieve symptoms. In some cases, prescription medications or allergy shots may be necessary for more severe or persistent symptoms. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider if you experience severe or prolonged symptoms, as they can recommend appropriate treatment options or refer you to an allergist for further evaluation.

What is the best medicine for cedar fever?

The best medicine for cedar fever will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your individual medical history. Here are some types of medications that are commonly used to treat cedar fever:

  • Antihistamines: These medications can help to relieve itching, sneezing, and a runny nose. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra) can be effective for mild to moderate symptoms. Prescription antihistamines may be needed for more severe symptoms.
  • Decongestants: These medications can help to relieve nasal congestion by reducing swelling in the nasal passages. Over-the-counter decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can be effective, but they should not be used for more than a few days at a time. Prescription decongestants may be necessary for more severe or persistent symptoms.
  • Nasal corticosteroids: These medications can help to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, relieving congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose. Over-the-counter nasal corticosteroids such as fluticasone (Flonase) and triamcinolone (Nasacort) can be effective for mild to moderate symptoms. Prescription nasal corticosteroids may be needed for more severe symptoms.
  • Eye drops: These medications can help to relieve itchy, watery eyes caused by cedar fever. Over-the-counter eye drops containing antihistamines and decongestants can be effective, but prescription eye drops may be necessary for more severe symptoms.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any new medications, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.

Is there a cure for cedar fever?

There is no cure for cedar fever, as it is a seasonal allergy caused by exposure to the pollen of mountain cedar trees. However, there are several treatment options available to relieve the symptoms of cedar fever.

Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids can help to alleviate sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and other allergy symptoms. Eye drops can also be used to relieve itchy, watery eyes.

In addition to medication, there are several other measures that may help to reduce the severity of cedar fever symptoms. These include:

  • Minimizing exposure to cedar pollen by staying indoors on high-pollen days, keeping windows and doors closed, and using air filters or purifiers.
  • Washing hands and face frequently to remove pollen from the skin and hair.
  • Wearing a mask or scarf to cover the nose and mouth when outdoors.
  • Using saline nasal sprays or irrigation to rinse pollen from the nasal passages.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider if you experience severe or prolonged symptoms, as they can recommend appropriate treatment options or refer you to an allergist for further evaluation.

What is Texas cedar fever and symptoms?

Texas cedar fever is a type of seasonal allergy that occurs in Texas and other parts of the southern United States during the winter months, typically from December to February. It is caused by an allergy to the pollen of the Ashe juniper tree, which is also known as mountain cedar. The symptoms of Texas cedar fever can be similar to those of other seasonal allergies and may include:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Sinus pressure or headaches
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue or weakness

These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they typically last for several weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the allergy and the amount of pollen in the air. Some people with severe allergies may also experience asthma-like symptoms, such as wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.

If you experience any of these symptoms during the winter months in Texas, it is possible that you may be experiencing cedar fever. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis and to discuss appropriate treatment options.

How sick can you get from cedar fever?

Cedar fever is typically not a serious medical condition, but it can cause significant discomfort and can make you feel quite sick. The severity of cedar fever symptoms can vary depending on the individual and the amount of pollen in the air.

The most common symptoms of cedar fever include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, sinus pressure or headaches, sore throat, and fatigue or weakness. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can last for several weeks or even months.

In some cases, people with severe allergies to cedar pollen may experience more serious symptoms, such as asthma-like symptoms, including wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. These symptoms may require medical attention and treatment with prescription medications, such as bronchodilators or corticosteroids.

If you experience severe or persistent symptoms of cedar fever, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss appropriate treatment options and to rule out any other underlying medical conditions.