Feeling Miserable From Allergies?Understanding Cedar Season in Central Texas and Its Impact on Health

Cedar season in Central Texas is a well-known annual event that affects thousands of residents every year. For many, it means sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion that can last for weeks. Understanding what causes cedar season, how it impacts health, and what steps can be taken to reduce its effects is essential for anyone living in or visiting this region.

Cedar trees releasing pollen during peak season in Central Texas

What Causes Cedar Season in Central Texas

Cedar season occurs when the Ashe juniper tree, commonly called mountain cedar, releases pollen into the air. These trees are abundant in Central Texas, especially in the Hill Country and surrounding areas. The pollen is carried by the wind and can travel miles, triggering allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

The season typically begins in late December and lasts through February. During this time, the pollen count can reach extremely high levels, making it one of the most intense allergy seasons in the United States.

Symptoms and Health Effects of Cedar Pollen Exposure

Exposure to cedar pollen can cause a range of symptoms, often referred to as cedar fever, although it is not an actual fever. Common symptoms include:

• Sneezing and nasal congestion

• Itchy, watery eyes

• Scratchy throat

• Sinus pressure and headaches

• Fatigue due to poor sleep quality

  
  

For people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, cedar pollen can worsen symptoms and lead to more serious complications. Children and older adults may also be more vulnerable to the effects of cedar pollen.

How Cedar Season Affects Daily Life in Central Texas

The impact of cedar season goes beyond just physical symptoms. Many residents find their daily routines disrupted during this time. Outdoor activities become less enjoyable, and productivity at work or school can decline due to discomfort and fatigue.

When allergens affect your body, it causes an increased immune response. When exposure to the irritating allergen continues, it can wear out your immune system, making it weaker and more prone to getting sick from infections that your immune system needs to defend against like cold, flu, and the COVID virus.

It's important to manage allergies well to help your immune system be able to work properly and help with your overall health by reducing inflammation.

Practical Tips to Manage Cedar Allergy Symptoms

While cedar pollen cannot be avoided entirely, there are effective ways to reduce exposure and manage symptoms:

• Stay indoors during peak pollen times, usually early morning and windy days.

• Use air purifiers with HEPA filters at home to reduce indoor pollen levels.

• Keep windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from entering.

• Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors to remove pollen, especially in the evening before bed to avoid sleeping and breathing in the allergens you've been exposed to during the day.

• Over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays can relieve symptoms but can cause side effects of drowsiness, increased dryness, even mood changes; consult with me as your Functional medicine provider for recommendations that best suit you and help improve your overall health.

• Consider allergy testing and immunotherapy (allergy shots vs drops) if symptoms are severe or persistent.

When to Seek Medical Help

If cedar allergy symptoms become severe or do not improve with standard treatments, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. Signs that require medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing

• Severe sinus pain or swelling

• High fever or signs of infection

• Symptoms that interfere significantly with daily activities

  
  

A doctor can provide personalized advice, prescribe stronger medications, or recommend allergy shots.

Preparing for Cedar Season Each Year

Residents of Central Texas can take proactive steps before cedar season begins to minimize its impact:

• Monitor local pollen forecasts to plan outdoor activities.

• Stock up on allergy preventative remedies early (Cedar season starts at the end of November into the beginning of March).

• Schedule appointments with Kitty Woo Ham, Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner for allergy testing and treatment options.

• Allergy drops are a form of immunotherapy/natural way to teach your to not over react to allergens. They can work faster than allergy shots and can be done at home daily.

• Educate family members and coworkers about cedar season and its effects.

  
  

Being prepared helps reduce stress and improves quality of life during the challenging months of cedar pollen exposure.

To learn more about why we are miserable from allergies and what we can do to help us feel better, check out the "Programs" on the website about Allergies and Airway Health. You can also join free in person talks to learn more about Allergies and ask questions by going to "Events" to check out upcoming events and RSVP.