CEDAR FEVER TIPS
Cedar fever arrives in San Antonio each winter as reliably as Christmas.
Ashe junipers (commonly called mountain cedar) are the only trees pollinating this time of year. They produce tremendous amounts of pollen that trigger sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose and itching eyes among allergy sufferers.
Here's what can help you survive cedar fever, which typically peaks in January:
Sources: Dr. Paul Ratner; Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger; the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Cedar fever arrives in San Antonio each winter as reliably as Christmas.
Just ask the pharmaceutical companies, which often use mountain cedar pollen when developing new medications for allergies.
“The mountain cedar pollen tsunami hits South-Central Texas annually with a ferocity and dependability that have made the season a mainstay in allergy research,” Dr. Charles Andrews of the Biogenics Research Chamber in San Antonio wrote in an article in the July 2013 issue of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Ashe junipers (commonly called mountain cedar) are the only trees pollinating this time of year. They produce tremendous amounts of pollen that trigger sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose and itching eyes among allergy sufferers.
Here's what can help you survive cedar fever, which typically peaks in January:
Nasal corticosteroid sprays
SAN ANTONIO — Allergists recommend these sprays, which reduce inflammation in the nose, as the best way to temporarily treat allergy symptoms. They are available by prescription only and may take a day or two to kick in.
Decongestants
Oral decongestants, such as Sudafed, reduce nasal pressure and can be used in combination with antihistamines. Don't take decongestants if you have high blood pressure. Insomnia is a common side effect. Nonprescription decongestant nasal sprays, such as Afrin, are effective but shouldn't be used for more than a few days at a time or allergy symptoms will worsen.
Antihistamines
Available in a variety of forms, these medications block the effects of the chemical released in the body by an allergic reaction. Prescription nasal sprays attack symptoms quickly. Older over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can be effective but typically cause drowsiness and other side effects. Newer classes of antihistamines, such as Claritin and Zyrtec, have fewer side effects but may not be as effective for everyone. People with enlarged prostates should avoid antihistamines.
Leukotriene inhibitors
Often used to treat asthma, these prescription medications, such as Singulair, can help reduce nasal congestion and other symptoms. Serious side effects, including depression, have been reported.
Immunotherapy
Allergy shots can provide long-lasting relief but require regular trips to the doctor's office and can take months to begin alleviating symptoms. They're typically not recommended for children younger than 5.
Rinses and washes
Saline sinus rinses, purchased over-the-counter or homemade, can remove pollen from the nostrils and sinuses.
Avoidance
While it's nearly impossible to avoid mountain cedar pollen altogether, you can cut down on exposure by keeping house and car windows closed and wearing a mask while doing yardwork. Don't hang laundry to dry outside. HEPA filters can help indoors. Wash your hands to prevent transferring pollen to your eyes and nose.
Monitor levels
Some days are worse than others when it comes to mountain cedar pollen. North winds on cold days carry the pollen from the trees in the Hill Country to San Antonio. Rain can dampen pollen levels. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology's National Allergy Bureau provides pollen counts; go to www.aaaai.org/global/nab-pollen-counts. The organization also has a mobile pollen app; go to pollen.aaaai.org.
Sources: Dr. Paul Ratner; Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger; the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Cedar fever arrives in San Antonio each winter as reliably as Christmas.
Just ask the pharmaceutical companies, which often use mountain cedar pollen when developing new medications for allergies.
“The mountain cedar pollen tsunami hits South-Central Texas annually with a ferocity and dependability that have made the season a mainstay in allergy research,” Dr. Charles Andrews of the Biogenics Research Chamber in San Antonio wrote in an article in the July 2013 issue of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Ashe junipers (commonly called mountain cedar) are the only trees pollinating this time of year. They produce tremendous amounts of pollen that trigger sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose and itching eyes among allergy sufferers.
Here's what can help you survive cedar fever, which typically peaks in January:
Nasal corticosteroid sprays
Allergists recommend these sprays, which reduce inflammation in the nose, as the best way to temporarily treat allergy symptoms. They are available by prescription only and may take a day or two to kick in.
Decongestants
Oral decongestants, such as Sudafed, reduce nasal pressure and can be used in combination with antihistamines. Don't take decongestants if you have high blood pressure. Insomnia is a common side effect. Nonprescription decongestant nasal sprays, such as Afrin, are effective but shouldn't be used for more than a few days at a time or allergy symptoms will worsen.
Antihistamines
Available in a variety of forms, these medications block the effects of the chemical released in the body by an allergic reaction. Prescription nasal sprays attack symptoms quickly. Older over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can be effective but typically cause drowsiness and other side effects. Newer classes of antihistamines, such as Claritin and Zyrtec, have fewer side effects but may not be as effective for everyone. People with enlarged prostates should avoid antihistamines.
Leukotriene inhibitors
Often used to treat asthma, these prescription medications, such as Singulair, can help reduce nasal congestion and other symptoms. Serious side effects, including depression, have been reported.
Immunotherapy
Allergy shots can provide long-lasting relief but require regular trips to the doctor's office and can take months to begin alleviating symptoms. They're typically not recommended for children younger than 5.
Rinses and washes
Saline sinus rinses, purchased over-the-counter or homemade, can remove pollen from the nostrils and sinuses.
Avoidance
While it's nearly impossible to avoid mountain cedar pollen altogether, you can cut down on exposure by keeping house and car windows closed and wearing a mask while doing yardwork. Don't hang laundry to dry outside. HEPA filters can help indoors. Wash your hands to prevent transferring pollen to your eyes and nose.
Monitor levels
Some days are worse than others when it comes to mountain cedar pollen. North winds on cold days carry the pollen from the trees in the Hill Country to San Antonio. Rain can dampen pollen levels. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology's National Allergy Bureau provides pollen counts; go to www.aaaai.org/global/nab-pollen-counts. The organization also has a mobile pollen app; go to pollen.aaaai.org.
Sources: Dr. Paul Ratner; Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger; the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
