When winter comes around, those with seasonal allergies in some parts of the United States – such as in Texas – begin to experience symptoms of mountain cedar allergies. Mountain cedar is actually the Ashe juniper tree, which is a drought-tolerant evergreen tree that produces pollen in wintertime.
Mountain cedar is primarily found in Texas, and the peak season of its pollination lasts from January until March. While most of the rest of the country is taking a break from seasonal allergies, that is certainly not the case for those living in Central Texas.
In fact, a cloud of pollen hovers around each mountain cedar tree during peak pollination. The wind can then carry the cedar pollen for many miles, traveling as far as Oklahoma.
Let’s talk about some of the key signs that indicate you may have mountain cedar allergies, and where you can go in Georgetown and Central Texas for professional allergy treatment so you can enjoy the winter season again.
Signs You May Be Allergic to Cedar
Since Ashe juniper pollen is the allergen, symptoms of mountain cedar allergies are similar to springtime pollen allergies. People who are allergic to cedar usually experience hay fever symptoms.
Mountain cedar allergy symptoms are often called “cedar fever,” the symptoms of which include:
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes and nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sinus pressure
- Sinus headaches (in the lower forehead)
- Facial pain
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms (but with no fever)
The symptoms of cedar fever can be brutal, so it is best to keep your symptoms under control. It is not necessary for your body to remain in a state of inflammation throughout the season. Furthermore, you may mistaken the symptoms of cedar allergies to be symptoms of the flu or COVID-19.
Treatments for Cedar Allergy
Treating allergies to mountain cedar may include prescription-strength antihistamines, saline rinsing, topical nasal corticosteroids, and immunotherapy. If your quality of life is severely impacted by cedar allergies, your allergy doctor may recommend immunotherapy. This can be a curative treatment, in that it involves training your body to stop interpreting the allergen as a germ.
ENT and Allergy Doctor in Georgetown, Texas
When it comes to pollen allergies, being prepared is key to having a comfortable allergy season. If you are looking for an experienced allergy doctor in Central Texas, choose Georgetown ENT.
Our board-certified ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT, or otolaryngologist), Dr. Scott Franklin, is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat allergies, including those that trigger hay fever symptoms. For years, Dr. Franklin has helped our patients manage their seasonal allergies, including wintertime cedar allergies.
Our team of allergy specialists is here to help you find a personalized allergy treatment that works for you. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Franklin, call our ENT clinic today at (512) 869-0604 or fill out our convenient appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you!
