Cedar Fever is a seasonal disease that can occur annually in areas where cedar trees are abundant. This disease can result from a fungus that infects blue cedar trees, Juniperus virginiana, in a too wet and humid environment. It is more likely to occur during the late summer months when there is an increased potential for heavy rainfall and high humidity levels.
If you live in an area where cedar trees grow, it’s essential to know what symptoms to watch for and what you can do to contain the spread of the disease.
The most common cedar fever symptoms occur in the nose, respiratory tract, eyes, and skin. We discuss these symptoms below.
Cedar Fever Causes
The main cause of cedar fever is a high density of cedar pollen in the air. A small amount of the same pollen wouldn’t have the same effect on your body.
Cedar trees release a large amount of pollen in the air and have different pollination models. Instead of pollinating in the spring-like most trees, these cedar trees pollinate in winter. A lot of cedar pollen released is the reason for cedar fever and allergies.
Common Cedar Fever Symptoms
Itchy, Watery, Red Eyes
One of the most prominent signs that you have cedar fever is itchy, watery, red eyes. It usually manifests as a burning sensation in the eyes. The itching can eventually cause the eyes to swell.
Sneezing and Coughing
In many cases, when you have Cedar Fever, you will suffer from persistent sneezing and coughing. A scratchy feeling follows this in your throat and chest.
Skin Irritation
Microscopic fungi typically cause the skin irritation that you experience from cedar fever. These fungi become airborne when the cedar breaks, allowing them to enter your body through your nose, mouth, and skin. The fungi can then move throughout the body very quickly, irritating various areas.
Sinus Pressure
An inflamed or swollen membrane around the nasal passages causes sinus pressure. The symptoms of sinus congestion and pain can be uncomfortable, but relief is available.
Runny Nose and Nasal Congestion
A cedar allergy causes nasal and sinus mucous membrane swelling, causing nasal blockage and increased mucus production. The high pollen counts cause severe sneezing, runny nose, nasal blockage, and itching of the nasal passages.
Fatigue
As a result of a runny nose and nasal congestion, you will get a headache, and the headaches often lead to fatigue.
Tips for Surviving Cedar Fever Season
- Change Your Air Conditioner Filter Regularly: Cedar pollen can be easily airborne during the Cedar Fever Season. You must change your air conditioner filter regularly since it is an indirect form of contact.
- Bathe Your Pets Often: Pets that live inside the house with you are likely to get cedar fever. You should bathe them often and brush their coats regularly to keep the cedar pollen levels down in your home.
- Keep Your Doors and Windows Locked: To keep out cedar pollen, make sure you keep your doors and windows locked – especially if a cedar tree is in your yard.
Cedar Fever Treatement
Oral or Nasal Corticosteroids and Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Obtain a Prescription of Oral or Nasal Corticosteroids and Anti-inflammatory Drugs from Your Doctor: If you have severe cedar fever symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a treatment with oral or nasal corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory drugs. They include cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Alavert, Claritin).