What is Cedar fever?
While the name can be confusing, Cedar fever is not to be confused with a fever but rather an allergic response caused by certain mountain Cedar trees. The pollen produced by these trees can cause seasonal allergies in many people. Cedar fever symptoms can be quite irritating and may cause inflammatory responses in the body. In addition, the pollen grains, when inhaled by you, can cause trigger responses in your immune system. These trigger responses are inflammatory responses to a perceived danger. While the pollen itself is not harmful, its trigger response in the immune system can be overwhelming.
Where does one find mountain Cedar trees?
The primary cause of Cedar fever is mountain Cedar trees are, unlike the name suggests, not Cedar trees, but belong to a family called Juniperus Ashei or the Juniper family. These trees are evergreens and range over 25 feet in height. The male varieties of cedar trees produce pollen that causes allergic responses. These pollen granules can be carried over kilometres by the wind. People predisposed to allergies to grains can inhale them and feel sick.
Symptoms of Cedar fever
Although the name suggests fever, Cedar fever does not commonly give you fever. Some people may experience a temperature rise, but it is unlikely that Cedar fever causes a high temperature. Although it can cause symptoms including:
● fatigue
● blocked nasal passages
● sneezing
● runny nose
● sore throat
● itchiness
● itchiness in the eyes
● watery eyes
● partial loss of smell
What are the treatments for Cedar fever?
Cedar fever can be easily treated using certain over-the-counter medications that are generally used to treat allergies.
● Over-the-counter antihistamines:
several antihistamines can block the immune trigger and prevent you from feeling sick. These include:
-fexofenadine
-diphenhydramine
-cetirizine
-loratadine
● OTC decongestants:
Since one of the symptoms of Cedar fever includes blocked nasal passage, many people may find it irritating and difficulty breathing. To treat this, you can use OTC nasal decongestants, which come in the form of sprays, such as oxymetazoline and oral decongestants, such as phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine.
Other medications available may include a combination of decongestants and antihistamines. You may find OTC antihistamines with an additional D added to the name, which is Allegra D indicating the presence of a decongestant. If the problem is severe and you’re unable to treat the problem with over-the-counter treatments, then you must visit a doctor specialising in treating allergies. Depending on the severity of the case, you may receive allergy shots which will help you feel better by increasing your resistance to allergens.
How to prevent Cedar fever?
Cedar fever is most prominently experienced between November to March. So it is essential foremost that you remain alert in this period. A few of the steps that you can take to prevent Cedar fever include:
● Keeping your doors and windows shut during these months to prevent pollen from getting inside.
●You may check the pollen levels on several apps before you go outside.
● Keep your home clean to decrease the potential exposure to dust and pollen.
●Make sure that you remove all of the clothes when you return from outside and take a shower so that you can remove pollen from your body and hair.
● If you have a pet, ensure that you give them regular baths, so their fur does not attract pollen.
● Ensure that you are changing your air conditioning filter at regular intervals of about three months and that you choose a good quality air conditioning filter.
Should you see a doctor?
While Cedar fever is easily treatable, just like most allergy symptoms, if your body does not respond to over-the-counter antihistamine or decongestant treatments and you feel unable to function optimally, then you must see a doctor who specialises in allergies and can help you deal with the problem better by prescribing additional treatments.
