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Alleviating Cedar Fever Symptoms: A Guide for Texans
AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the saying goes, ’tis the season to be sneezing in Texas. The culprit? Cedar fever, caused by reactions to the pollen of the Ashe juniper tree, a common species in the state. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, cedar fever season typically ranges from December to February, but some cycles can start as early as late fall and extend into March.
Early Onset of Cedar Season
This year, Texans are facing an early onslaught of cedar pollen, with counts appearing as early as late November. Although the peak of cedar season usually hits in mid-January, pharmacists are already witnessing a surge in customers seeking relief from allergy symptoms. Rannon Ching, president and chief pharmacy officer at Tarrytown Pharmacy, expressed concern about the influx of patients presenting various allergies like congestion, runny nose, and sneezing.
Relief Options for Cedar Fever
Ching highlighted a range of over-the-counter and prescribed remedies available to combat cedar fever symptoms. Tarrytown Pharmacy offers a tiered approach to treatment based on the severity of symptoms. Patients experiencing sneezing or a runny nose can benefit from antihistamine medications that help dry up mucus rapidly. For individuals with sinus pressure and congestion, a steroid-based nasal spray may be recommended, although it can take up to two weeks to show full effectiveness. Additionally, antihistamine nasal sprays and tablet nasal decongestants are also viable options for relief, especially for patients without blood pressure issues.
Fast-Acting Solutions
Ching reassured patients that even if cedar season caught them off guard, antihistamines can provide rapid relief, often within the first day of use. Whether you’re battling congestion, sneezing, or a runny nose, there’s a remedy available to help alleviate your cedar fever symptoms and get you back to enjoying the season in Texas.
As a native Texan myself, I understand the struggles of dealing with cedar fever firsthand. The constant sneezing, congestion, and runny nose can truly put a damper on your day. However, knowing that there are effective solutions like antihistamines and nasal sprays out there gives me hope that relief is within reach for all of us enduring the cedar season woes. So, let’s take care of ourselves and each other during this challenging time, and remember that relief is just a pharmacy visit away. Stay strong, fellow Texans!
