Despite the frigid temperatures the winter season brings, many people still find it a fun and great time—for snuggling up, drinking hot cocoa, building a snowman, throwing a bonfire party and, for camping enthusiasts, winter camping. However, for those with seasonal allergies, particularly cedar allergies, the winter season may rather be a time to brace themselves for the sniffles, itchy eyes, sore throat, fatigue, cedar fever, and all the other annoying symptoms.
If you have cedar allergy and you love to camp out, there are strategies you can employ to keep your flare-ups at bay and still enjoy your winter soirées. Here are five tips to help you avoid cedar allergy flare-ups when you go on a camping trip.
Tip #1 See your allergy doctor.
Before you head out for your camping trip, see your ENT doctor. They can provide you with expert advice on how you can effectively prevent or lower your risk for cedar allergy flare-ups. They can also prescribe medications to control your symptoms in the event of exposure.
During your appointment, talk to your doctor about allergy immunotherapy, particularly if it’s right for you. Allergy immunotherapy involves your doctor administering small amounts of the allergen in the form of a shot (injection) or drops (placed under your tongue) to get your body to build a tolerance to the allergen. You will notice a significant improvement in your symptoms several months into the course of your treatment. This may not be of great help this winter season, but it can provide you with long-term benefits, so you no longer have to worry about cedar allergy flare-ups during the next one.
Tip# 2 Consider wearing a face mask.
Studies suggest that wearing a face mask can provide protection against environmental allergies in the same way that it can against pathogens. Wearing a face mask significantly helps decrease the amount of pollen that reaches your nostrils and lessen the likelihood of a flare-up.
Tip #3 Allergy-proof your tent.
When you’re finally at the camping site, take off your shoes and your jacket, and leave them outside your tent. If this is not possible, at least keep them in one area inside your tent. If you’re bringing your pet, make sure you clean them up before having them inside.
Tip #4 Know when the pollen count is low.
There are smartphone apps that can help keep you updated on when the pollen count is the highest in the area you’re planning to go for camping. It also helps to check out local allergy forecasts. You may want to wait these days out and then go camping when the pollen count is low.
Allergy Treatment in Georgetown, Texas
Here at Georgetown ENT, board-certified ENT specialist Dr. Scott Franklin offers allergy immunotherapy and other evidence-based, proven allergy solutions, helping scores of people live well with or even beat their allergies.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call our ENT clinic today at (512) 869-0604. You may also use this convenient contact form, and we will contact you promptly to confirm your appointment. We look forward to serving you!
