Cedar Fever Symptoms: Common Causes and Solutions

Cedar fever is a seasonal allergy that affects many people in winter. It is not caused by a virus, as the name “fever” might suggest, but by pollen from the mountain cedar tree. These trees, also known as Ashe junipers, release large amounts of pollen during their peak season from December to March, which leads to the cedar fever symptoms people experience.

Cedar fever symptoms can make people feel miserable, even though it is not an infection like the flu or cold. The allergy is triggered when the body’s immune system mistakes the cedar pollen for something harmful, causing it to release chemicals that create allergy symptoms.

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Common Cedar Fever Symptoms

Sneezing and Runny Nose

One of the most common cedar fever symptoms is frequent sneezing. The pollen irritates your nose and causes your body to try to get rid of the pollen by sneezing. This is often accompanied by a runny nose with clear mucus.

Stuffy Nose and Sinus Pressure

Nasal passages can become swollen from the pollen, leading to a stuffy nose. This swelling can create pressure in your face and even cause headaches.

Itchy, Watery, and Red Eyes

Cedar fever can make your eyes feel very itchy. They may also become red and produce more tears than normal. Some people even notice swelling around the eyes.

Throat Irritation and Dry Cough

The extra mucus in your nose can drip down the back of your throat, causing it to feel scratchy and irritated. This can also lead to a dry cough that doesn’t produce much mucus.

Fatigue and Mild Fever

Although cedar fever is not a real fever, some people feel tired and run down when they have cedar fever symptoms. Their body temperature might be slightly above normal but usually doesn’t go above 101.5°F.

Reduced Smell or Taste

When your nose is very stuffy, you may notice you can’t smell or taste things as well as usual. This usually goes away once the cedar pollen levels drop.

Headache and Facial Pain

The swelling in your nasal passages and sinuses can lead to headaches and pain in your face, especially around your cheeks and forehead.

Wheezing or Shortness of Breath

For people with asthma, cedar fever can make breathing harder. It may cause wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.

Mild Skin Reactions

In rare cases, some people may develop mild rashes or itching on their skin during cedar fever season.

Cedar Fever Symptoms vs Cold or Flu

Because cedar fever happens in winter, it’s easy to confuse it with a cold or the flu. However, there are some key differences.

• Fever: Cedar fever usually doesn’t cause a high fever. If you have a fever over 101.5°F, it’s more likely a cold or flu.

• Mucus Color: Cedar fever causes clear mucus, while green or yellow mucus can be a sign of infection.

• Duration: Cedar fever can last for weeks or months, while a cold or the flu typically lasts one to two weeks.

• Itchy Eyes: Itchy, watery eyes are common with cedar fever but not with a cold or the flu.

Why Do Cedar Fever Symptoms Occur?

Cedar fever symptoms are caused by the huge amount of pollen released by the mountain cedar trees. When the pollen is released, the wind spreads it far and wide. The pollen can be so thick it looks like smoke in the air.

Cold fronts in winter can make cedar trees release even more pollen. When the weather changes suddenly, cedar trees respond by sending out large clouds of pollen.

When this pollen enters your nose, mouth, and eyes, your immune system sees it as a threat. It then releases chemicals called histamines to fight the pollen. These chemicals cause sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and all the other cedar fever symptoms.

Who Gets Cedar Fever Symptoms?

Not everyone has cedar fever symptoms, but some people are more likely to develop them.

• Where You Live: Cedar fever is common in areas where mountain cedar trees grow, like central Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and parts of New Mexico.

• Family History: If you have family members with allergies, you’re more likely to have them too.

• Other Allergies or Asthma: If you already have allergies or asthma, cedar pollen can make your symptoms worse.

How Long Do Cedar Fever Symptoms Last?

Cedar fever season usually begins in December and can last until March. Symptoms often last as long as pollen is in the air. Some people might have symptoms for only a few weeks, while others deal with them for months.

When to See a Doctor

Cedar fever symptoms can usually be managed at home. However, you should see a doctor if:

• Your symptoms last longer than four weeks.

• Over-the-counter allergy medicines don’t help.

• You have trouble breathing or your asthma gets worse.

• You develop a high fever over 101.5°F.

• You notice colored mucus, like green or yellow, which could be an infection.

Doctors can do simple tests to see if you’re allergic to cedar pollen. Skin prick tests or blood tests can show if your immune system is reacting to cedar pollen.

Managing and Treating Cedar Fever Symptoms

Avoid Cedar Pollen

The best way to reduce cedar fever symptoms is to avoid the pollen as much as possible.

• Stay indoors on dry, windy days when pollen levels are highest.

• Keep your windows and doors closed to keep pollen out.

• Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to help clean the air in your home.

• Wash your face and hands when you come inside to remove pollen.

Clean Your Home

Pollen can get into your home on your clothes, hair, and pets.

• Change clothes when you get home.

• Shower to wash off pollen.

• Vacuum and dust your home often.

• Leave shoes by the door so you don’t bring pollen inside.

Medications

Many people find relief from cedar fever symptoms by using allergy medicines.

• Antihistamines: These help with sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose. Common types include loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine.

• Nasal Sprays: These can reduce swelling in your nose and make it easier to breathe.

• Decongestants: These can help if you have a stuffy nose but should not be used for more than a few days at a time.

• Nasal Rinses: Saline sprays or rinses help clear pollen out of your nose.

Allergy Shots or Drops

For people with very bad symptoms, allergy shots or drops can help. These treatments train your immune system to get used to cedar pollen, so your body doesn’t react as strongly. This process, called immunotherapy, takes several months or years but can make a big difference.

Cedar Fever Symptoms: Tips for Children

Children can also have cedar fever symptoms, and they might not be able to explain what they’re feeling.

• Look for extra sneezing, rubbing their eyes, or complaints about stuffy nose.

• Teach them to wash their hands and face after playing outside.

• Ask their doctor about child-safe allergy medicines.

Cedar Fever Symptoms: Prevention Tips

Here are some easy ways to keep cedar fever symptoms under control:

• Check the pollen count each day. If it’s high, try to stay indoors.

• Wear a mask if you must go outside during high pollen days.

• Change air filters in your home to keep the air clean.

• Plan outdoor activities for days when pollen levels are low.

Cedar Fever Symptoms: Impact on Daily Life

Cedar fever can make you feel tired, grumpy, and uncomfortable. This can affect your work, school, or family time. It’s important to take care of yourself during cedar fever season.

• Get plenty of rest so your body can handle the allergy.

• Drink water and stay hydrated to help thin mucus.

• Eat healthy foods that support your immune system.

• If you’re taking allergy medicines, take them regularly as directed.

Cedar Fever Symptoms: Myth Busting

There are some common myths about cedar fever. Let’s clear them up!

• Myth: Cedar fever means you have an infection.
  Fact: Cedar fever is an allergy, not an infection.

• Myth: Only people with asthma get cedar fever.
  Fact: Anyone can have cedar fever, even if they don’t have asthma.

• Myth: Cedar fever only happens in spring.
  Fact: Cedar fever happens in winter, unlike most allergies.

Cedar Fever Symptoms: Frequently Asked Questions

What causes cedar fever symptoms?
Cedar fever symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction to mountain cedar pollen.

Is cedar fever contagious?
No, cedar fever is not caused by a virus. It’s an allergy, so you can’t catch it from someone else.

Can cedar fever turn into a cold or flu?
No, cedar fever doesn’t turn into an infection. However, having cedar fever doesn’t protect you from catching a cold or flu.

Are there long-term effects from cedar fever?
Cedar fever itself does not cause long-term harm. However, repeated allergies can worsen asthma in people who have it.

When does cedar fever season end?
Cedar fever season usually ends in late February or early March when the trees stop releasing pollen.

Cedar Fever Symptoms: Conclusion

Cedar fever symptoms are common in places with lots of mountain cedar trees. These symptoms can be annoying, but they usually aren’t dangerous. With good home habits, allergy medicines, and help from your doctor, you can feel much better during cedar fever season. Watch out for sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, headaches, and tiredness, and take steps early to reduce the discomfort.

Taking the right steps can make cedar fever just another part of winter, not something that ruins your entire season. Stay indoors on high pollen days, clean your home often, and talk to your doctor if symptoms don’t improve. This way, you can enjoy winter while keeping cedar fever symptoms under control.

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