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Mountain Cedar Allergy Symptoms

A mountain cedar allergy occurs when the body's immune system produces the immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody in response to the pollen produced by mountain cedar trees. These trees are a type of juniper found primarily in Central Texas. The mountain cedar tree pollinates during the winter months, usually December through March. Mountain cedar allergies are very common, and are often referred to as "cedar fever." Learn more about the common mountain cedar allergy symptoms.

  1. Common Symptoms

    • Mountain cedar allergies affect the lining of the tissue in the nose, lungs and eyes. The pollen can trigger numerous bouts of incessant sneezing. Some people suffer from nasal blockage or congestion, while others complain of having a runny, itchy nose. The eyes of affected individuals can by very itchy, bright red and excessively teary. Dark circles or bags can appear around the eyes. Many people also cough until their sides ache and their throat feels raw.

    Other Symptoms

    • Cedar fever can also trigger an intense itching in the throat and ears. Some individuals have asthma-like symptoms, such as wheezing and having difficulty breathing. Headaches, flu-like body aches, facial discomfort, earaches and headaches are other common mountain cedar allergy symptoms. Despite its name, most people don't actually have fevers; they just feel feverish and flushed. Individuals with more severe allergies can actually experience low-grade to high fevers, however.

    Effects

    • Mountain cedar allergy symptoms adversely affect the daily lives of sufferers. This medical condition tends to wear people out, and the fatigue and malaise that comes with experiencing so many symptoms at once can make a person a bit emotionally distressed, irritable and moody. Many people are unable to concentrate at work or school, so job performance and grades tend to suffer during cedar fever season. Some individuals also lose weight very quickly because they lose their sense of smell and have little appetite.

    Treatment

    • Mountain cedar allergy symptoms can range from very mild to extremely severe. Those who are lucky enough to be on the mild end of the scale can typically feel better after taking an over-the-counter antihistamine once the symptoms begin. Individuals who suffer more severe allergic reactions to the pollen should consider pre-treating the allergy starting in October. Many individuals report having fewer or less severe symptoms after taking sublingual allergy drops, prescription antihistamines, allergy eye drops or prescription nasal steroids.

    Considerations

    • Although most people with mountain cedar allergies aren't able to hide from the pollen completely, there are some simple steps individuals can take to lessen the blow. All doors and windows should be kept closed when the pollen count is high. Vents leading to the outdoors should be covered with cheesecloth, and high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters should be used in air conditioning units. Homes should be cleaned at least once a week, including dusting with a damp cloth, vacuuming rugs and carpets and washing bedding in hot water. Cedar fever sufferers should shower and wash their hair before bedtime so they don't breathe in the pollen all night long.

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