Cedar Fever

Cedar fever is an allergic reaction triggered by pollen from mountain cedar trees, also known as juniper trees. Despite its name, cedar fever typically does not cause an actual fever. Instead, it induces allergy symptoms when you inhale the pollen from these trees. This allergic response occurs because your body mistakenly identifies cedar tree pollen as an invader and releases chemicals to combat it, resulting in allergy symptoms.

Understanding Mountain Cedar Trees

Mountain cedar trees belong to the juniper genus, although they are commonly referred to as mountain cedars. These trees are found in various states, including Arkansas, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, as well as parts of Mexico and Japan. Notably, only male cedar trees produce pollen, which originates from small, orange-brown cones. Female juniper trees, on the other hand, bear blueberry-like cones.

Prevalence of Cedar Fever

Cedar fever predominantly occurs during the winter months, typically from December to February. However, symptoms can manifest as early as November and persist until March. Regions with a higher concentration of Ashe juniper trees, such as central Texas, experience more severe cases. In some instances, the quantity of pollen is so substantial that juniper trees may appear to emit a pollen “smoke.” While most people associate allergy season with spring, cedar fever is a notable exception since juniper trees pollinate during the winter.

Symptoms and Causes

Cedar Fever Symptoms

Cedar fever manifests as allergy symptoms, including:

• Stuffy nose
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Cough or sore throat
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Low-grade fever
• Partial loss of smell or taste
• Fatigue

These symptoms are often mistaken for those of a common cold or the flu since cedar fever coincides with the cold and flu season, sharing many similarities. Individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions may experience more severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness.

Causes of Cedar Fever

The allergic reaction associated with cedar fever occurs when the body perceives pollen from cedar trees as a threat. In response, the body produces chemicals to combat this supposed invader, resulting in allergy symptoms. Although the exact reasons why some individuals develop allergies while others do not remain unclear, genetics and environmental factors play a role.

The likelihood of experiencing cedar fever is higher when the concentration of cedar pollen in the air is elevated. Juniper trees typically pollinate after cold fronts during cold, dry weather conditions, ideal for pollen dispersal. This pollen is easily carried by gusts of wind, creating a pollen dust storm. Cedar fever typically peaks in mid-January. Certain regions in the United States, like central Texas, have exceptionally high levels of cedar pollen.

Distinctions Between Cedar Fever and Hay Fever

Cedar fever and hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, are related conditions. While cedar fever is a specific allergic reaction to cedar tree pollen, hay fever encompasses a range of allergic reactions that cause symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, itchy nose, and a sore throat. Hay fever may result from various allergens, including pollen, pet dander, and mold. Cedar fever is not synonymous with hay fever, but it can lead to hay fever-like symptoms.

Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosing Cedar Fever

Allergy tests, such as a skin scratch/prick test or a blood test, are commonly used to diagnose pollen allergies. The skin scratch/prick test involves introducing allergens into the skin and monitoring the skin’s response. Blood tests are another option for diagnosing allergies. Alternatively, healthcare providers may make a diagnosis based on the timing and duration of your symptoms, especially if they align with cedar pollen season and are not indicative of a cold or infection.

Management and Treatment

Treatment for Cedar Fever

Cedar fever can be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription allergy medications, including allergy shots. Additionally, lifestyle adjustments can help minimize exposure to cedar pollen.

Allergy Medications

A variety of OTC and prescription allergy medications can alleviate cedar fever symptoms, such as:

• Antihistamines: Cetirizine (Zyrtec®), loratadine (Claritin®), or azelastine (Astelin®), available in pill, liquid, or nasal spray form, block histamine production in response to allergens.
• Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®) or phenylephrine (Sudafed PE®), available in pill, liquid, or nasal spray form, shrink nasal passages to alleviate congestion.
• Combination Medications: Loratadine/pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D®) and fexofenadine/pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D®) incorporate both antihistamines and decongestants.
• Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays: Containing fluticasone (Flonase®), reduce inflammation in nasal passages.
• Prescription Leukotriene Inhibitors: Montelukast (Singulair®) can block leukotriene, a chemical responsible for inflammation during allergic reactions.

Asthma Medications

Individuals with asthma may require asthma control and quick-relief medications, which can be provided as separate medications or a combined option. Inhalers or nebulizers deliver these medications directly to the lungs.

Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)

Allergy shots gradually alter the body’s immune response to an allergen over time. This desensitization process reduces the severity of the allergic reaction to cedar pollen. Healthcare providers may also recommend sublingual tablets placed under the tongue. However, it is essential to recognize that desensitization is a gradual process, so prompt consultation with an allergist is advisable if medications do not yield the desired results.

Lifestyle Adjustments

While complete avoidance of outdoor exposure may be impractical, certain daily practices can help minimize time spent outdoors, especially during periods of heightened cedar pollen levels. These practices include:

• Keeping windows in your home and car closed to prevent pollen infiltration.
• Laundering clothes upon returning indoors to remove pollen and using a dryer.
• Regularly bathing pets, as pollen can accumulate on their fur.
• Frequent cleaning of indoor and outdoor surfaces to remove pollen particles.
• Checking pollen levels before venturing outside using weather websites or apps.
• Wearing a dust mask, hat, and sunglasses when outdoors to reduce pollen exposure to your mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Replacing air conditioning filters in your car and home to minimize pollen circulation.

Choosing the Best Treatment

Treatment for cedar fever varies from one individual to another. What works for one person may not be suitable for someone else. While many find relief through OTC medications, some may require prescription allergy medication or immunotherapy. The selection of treatment should be based on your specific symptoms and consultation with a healthcare provider.

Duration of Cedar Fever

Cedar fever is a seasonal condition that subsides over time. The most intense symptoms generally occur from December to February. However, some individuals may experience symptoms as early as November and as late as March. The duration of cedar fever is influenced by an individual’s immune system response to the allergy and the effectiveness of their chosen treatment.

Managing Cedar Fever

For many individuals, cedar fever symptoms can be effectively managed with medications. Finding the most suitable medication may require some trial and error.

Collaborating with a healthcare provider can help identify the optimal treatment based on your symptoms. While it may not be feasible to completely avoid outdoor activities during cedar pollen season, lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce pollen exposure.

Seeking Medical Attention

If you experience cedar fever symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. While many people find relief through OTC allergy medications, healthcare providers can recommend more effective treatments if OTC options prove insufficient. You do not need to endure allergy symptoms without relief; effective treatments are available to help alleviate the effects of cedar fever.