Cedar Allergies Or Covid
Is it mountain cedar allergies? Is it COVID-19? How can I tell the difference?
The CDC released the following graphic to illustrate the difference in symptoms between seasonal allergies and the coronavirus.
Mountain Cedar Symptoms
Symptoms related to mountain cedar allergies may include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and nasal congestion or a runny nose. You may also experience a headache, fatigue, shortness of breath and a sore throat. Often referred to as âmountain cedar feverâ, sufferers can experience symptoms when cedar trees release their pollenâany time between November and March.
COVID-19 Symptoms
The symptoms of COVID-19 vary widely and can present as mild or severe any time of the year. Symptoms can include fever, body aches or chills, vomiting or diarrhea. As with mountain cedar fever, COVID-19 also can cause a cough, fatigue, headache, breathing difficulty and nasal congestion. Symptoms may appear 2 â 14 days after exposure to the virus.
Comparing the Two & Taking Precautions
When comparing symptomatic differences between the two illnesses, it is important to note that cedar allergies rarely cause body aches, nausea or an actual fever, although some may feel feverish with chills, hence the term âcedar fever.â
As we move into spring, take precautions to minimize your risk of contracting COVID-19:
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How To Survive Cedar Fever: 6 Remedies To Kick Allergies To The Curb
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‘Tis the season … and no, we’re not talking about the holidays. Cedar season is upon us and a chorus of sneezes and sniffles can be heard ringing through the halls like Christmas carols.
For Austin allergy sufferers, now is the time to start thinking about combating allergies and that doesn’t mean chopping down all the cedar trees in the area.;The fact that we are allergic to “cedar” is actually a misconception. The tree this bothersome pollen comes from is juniper, often referred to as “Ashe Juniper” or wait for it “Mountain Cedar.”
No matter what you call it, “cedar” allergies are hard to fight. “A lot of people think that allergies are a result of a weak immune system. Your immune system is actually strong and overreacting to these substances,” explains Dr. Allen Lieberman, physician at the Allergy and Asthma Center of Austin. In response to this pollen invader, your body brings out all its best defenses to get rid of it including a runny nose and watery eyes.
Taking over-the-counter medications will usually treats symptoms, but they;can often leave you in as much of a haze as the allergies themselves.;Here are some natural alternatives for your arsenal against cedar fever and other seasonal allergies, from the medicinal to the nontraditional.
MassageMyo;Massage lymphatic;drainage massage
AcupunctureKettering Acupuncture allergy-specific acupuncture
Pollen serumThe Herb Bar ;BioStar;Botanicals Cedar Serum ,;Herb Bar blend
Ragweed Grows In 49 States
If you live in Alaska, consider yourself lucky. You live in the only state where ragweed doesnt grow. Ragweed has even been introduced to Hawaii. Within the 49 states where ragweed grows, there are 17 different types of ragweed.
Track ragweed season where you live. Check sites like AAAAI’s National Allergy Bureau to follow pollen readings regularly. This will help you take steps to reduce your exposure to ragweed pollen.
Ragweed pollen peaks in the mornings. Plan your time outside for the afternoon and evenings when possible.
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Take Cedar Drops To Build Up Immunity
Homeopathic allergy;drops;might seem mysterious, but its actually quite simple! Youve heard of exposing your kids to peanut butter as babies in small does to help build up immunity? Well homeopathic allergy drops work the same way. You build immunity by exposing your body in small doses to whatever youre;allergic to. The body becomes safely conditioned to tolerate the allergens that previously brought on allergic reactions, and this ultimately reduces allergy symptoms.
Many of those who are usually homeopathy skeptics swear by these drops, so keep that in mind if homeopathy usually isnt your thing. Theres proof in the pudding that these make a true difference and without any side effects.
My favorites:
Products To Help Treat & Prevent:
Herbalogic Easy Breather This is a powerful blend of Superfoods and Adaptogens like magnolia and mint that promote clear sinus, soothe the repertory system, nasals, and eye irritation due to environmental factors, and seasonal changes. They come in a convenient dropper that can be mixed with your favorite beverage!
Elderberry syrups and throat drops Elderberry is an antioxidant powerhouse with anti-inflammatory properties that help clear up sinus infections and boost immunity. Since allergies involve an overreaction of the immune system as well as inflammation, elderberry is the perfect remedy. Wheatsvilles store brand is affordable, tasty, and organic.
Chest rubs and inhalers ; olbas inhaler is perfect for rapid relief if you are experiencing nasal congestion. An all-natural blend of menthol, peppermint, and eucalyptus provides an awesome cooling effect.; If youre not a fan of inhalers the Olbas massage oil has the same great ingredients, its penetrating vapors stimulate and enhance breathing topically.
Teas Traditional Medicinals Breathe Easy tea is like a breath of fresh air in every cup. This herbal tea contains eucalyptus and mint which can be used to reduce swelling of the respiratory tract and sinuses, we love to sweeten it with local honey which is wonderful for allergies as well.
Kor Shots Kor Shots are a fun way to combat cedar with blends like the following:
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Ragweed Pollen Can Travel Hundreds Of Miles
Ragweed pollen is very light, making it easy for the wind to carry it for miles. In fact, it has been found in the ocean as far as 400 miles away from the coast and two miles up in the air.
Dont let ragweed follow you around. Cover your hair when you go outside or wash it at night to remove pollen. Also have everyone who enters your home leave their shoes at the door.
What Are Cedar Bedding Allergies
Cedar filled bedding has become a popular option for many pet owners who are drawn to the benefit of the wonderful cedar smell that permeates from a new dog bed. This pleasant odor is in fact, one of the causes for lung irritation in canines. Though the bedding provides a soft, inexpensive filling for dog beds, cedar shavings contain phenols that can irritate the lungs allowing bacteria easier entry. For dogs who sleep directly on cedar chips in a crate or bedding area, contact dermatitis is another allergic reaction that can occur.
Symptoms of skin irritation will include redness and scabbing of the skin. Lung irritation can bring asthma-like signs and discharge from the nose. Pet owners who see discomfort in dogs who have cedar in their bedding should consider evaluation by a veterinarian in order to verify if the wood is indeed the culprit.
Cedar bedding is most commonly used in the habitats of small animals such as rodents and rabbits. This type of bedding is sometimes used in dog crates as well, and can be found in commercial cloth covered dog beds. Contact dermatitis and respiratory issues have been reported in dogs who develop a sensitivity to cedar bedding.
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Cedar Fever In Central Texas
Are you someone who always has to prepare for the worst when it comes to seasonal allergies? If youve been experiencing bad allergies this winter, it could be due to mountain cedar trees, the most allergenic trees in Central Texas. This is the only tree that pollinates well into winter and as such, is considered one of the most dreaded allergens in the region. Your typical allergy symptoms occur when your body recognizes harmless particles like dust, dander and pollen and fights it as if it were a serious threat. Some people get worse allergies than others because not everyone has a hyperactive immune system that will attempt to fight off these allergens.
Symptoms of cedar fever
Cedar fever has all the same symptoms of regular allergies: sore throat, itchy and runny nose, and watery eyes, only with increased exposure, theres a higher risk of developing a respiratory disease. According to the World Allergy Organization Journal, people are more likely to experience asthma attacks after prolonged exposure to allergens.
If youre someone who already has asthma or a respiratory disease, chronic allergies will likely contribute to these issues and even lead to sinus infections, ear infections, colds, a weakened immune system and more. If you have a weak immune system, youll be more likely to develop infections.
Treatment
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Causes Of Allergy Symptoms
Your body responds too strongly to pollen produced by flowering plants. The pollen is the male reproductive cell of the plant. If you are not allergic, the pollen does not make you sick, but if you are allergic, your body mounts a defensive response.
Brightly colored flowers rarely produce allergy-causing pollens. The problem comes from plants that pollinate using the wind to spread each pollen cell. Large quantities of pollen can be spread on a windy day, sometimes as much as 20 miles.
The troublesome pollens come from junipers, pine trees, all grasses, several varieties of weed and many common deciduous trees those trees whose leaves mature and fall in the autumn.
- Your body responds too strongly to pollen produced by flowering plants.
- The troublesome pollens come from junipers, pine trees, all grasses, several varieties of weed and many common deciduous trees those trees whose leaves mature and fall in the autumn.
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How Is Cedar Fever Treated
Treatments for cedar fever are based on the severity of a patients symptoms. Treatments include:
- antihistamines
- twice daily application of topical nasal corticosteroids
- sometimes montelukast, a leukotriene modifier approved for asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Traditional immunotherapy also works really well for many patients, Dr. Peters adds.
If you experience cedar fever, or if symptoms linger or worsen, schedule an appointment with a board-certified allergist to discuss treatment options and lifestyle changes.
Five Things You Need To Know About Cedar Fever
Without a doubt, the number one thing most people KNOW theyâre allergic to is mountain cedar. It seems to be in a category all by itself. Itâs the one thing that makes people dread the onset of winter. And while the weather hasnât been showing it, weâre approaching winter quickly. Soon the sky becomes yellow and smoggy from the pollen in the air and sneezing and coughing are heard across the state. If youâre part of large population of people who suffer from cedar fever every winter, here are five things you need to know.
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Use Nasal Irrigation To Flush Out The Pollen
Nasal irrigation physically flushes out allergens and bacteria from your sinuses with just a squeeze bottle/pot and sterile saline water. Why use medications to do this when this is cheaper, more effective, and has zero side effects?
I know some of you cringe at trying this, but please trust me and thousands of doctors, pharmacists, and health professionals when they share how effective nasal irrigation really is. Once you try it and see the benefits, youll wonder what took you so long!
Cedar Fever: What You Need To Know
As many Texans already know, winter signals the rise of mountain cedar pollen, which can result in an allergic reaction known as cedar fever and create a host of respiratory problems. Below, Dr. Pranav Mehta, chief medical officer of HCA Healthcares American Group and vice president, clinical excellence and medical services, answers our questions about cedar fever and what you can do to manage it.
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In The Southwest Cedar Fever Soars In Winter
In most parts of the United States, the start of winter is a calming time for people with pollen allergies. In parts of the Southwest, however, its when bothersome nasal and eye allergy symptoms begin.
Most trees release their pollen in spring and fall, but in Central Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arizona and New Mexico, the Ashe Juniper tree commonly referred to as mountain cedar releases its pollen between December 15 and February 15. The phenomenon, nicknamed cedar fever, also affects parts of Mexico and Japan.
The release of cedar pollen is so intense in Central Texas that residents often describe a visible yellow and orange cloud of pollen hovering around the Ashe Juniper tree.
Use Homeopathic Allergy Eye Drops And Nose Sprays
Homeopathic allergy eye drops and nose sprays are incredibly effective without any of the side effects of conventional allergy drops or sprays. And most if not all are safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding, so you dont have to worry about safety concerns for medical conditions.
Conventional eye drops such as Zatidor are contraindicated for pregnancy, and since using the homeopathic ones while pregnant, I havent bought conventional since. That was 5 years ago and I have three seasonal allergy seasons per year!
I also find that I can use a natural nose spray for extra allergy relief most of the time before needing to turn to a conventional antihistamine spray, so its definitely worth trying and much more affordable, too.
My favorites:
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Cedar Or Juniper The Response Is The Same
Since pollen is wind disseminated, cedar fever can affect individuals far removed from areas with a high-concentration of juniper trees. And the source isnt limited to Ashe junipers. In more eastern parts of the state, there are also eastern red cedars that pollinate around the same time between December and January and can induce a similar response from peoples auto-immune systems.
Besides the sheer quantity of pollen released, cedar fever is mostly problematic because of when that pollen is released. Most trees pollinate in the spring, when were expecting to have allergies. Ragweed pollen and mold spores can contribute to allergies in the fall, but very few plants pollinate during the winter. Cedar trees are the exception they are triggered by colder weather and in Texas, their favorite time to release pollen is right after a cold front.
Following a cold front, the air dries out, we get some wind, and the pressure is different, Edmonson said. Under those conditions, every single pollen cone on a juniper tree will open at one time, and it looks like the trees are on fire. It looks like theres smoke coming off of them.
While this creates for some fascinating imagery, it can also lead to some serious misery. And for people new to the Central Texas region, or unfamiliar with cedar fever as a whole, it can lead to genuine confusion since the pollination period of mountain cedar trees is also in the middle of flu season.
How Symptoms Compare To Covid
Like with other allergies, some of the symptoms of cedar fever and COVID-19 can overlap, and the unknown can be unsettling. What sets them apart?
- Contrary to its name, cedar fever does NOT cause a fever. Thats one of the big differentiators between COVID-19 and allergy.
- Itchiness is not a common symptom of COVID-19. With cedar fever, itching is common in the eyes, nose, throat, or even the ears.
- Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath are uncommon with allergic rhinitis. But, those with allergic asthma may experience flare-ups when exposed to mountain cedar.
If youre experiencing any symptoms, follow your local guidelines and CDC recommendations for testing to determine the cause of your sickness.
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Immunotherapy May Provide Relief
If you are allergic to ragweed pollen, there are options for treatment. Many of them are available over the counter.
- Nasal corticosteroids These nasal sprays treat nasal inflammation, reduce symptoms and congestion, and block allergic reactions. They are the most effective for nasal symptoms and have few side effects.
- Antihistamines They work by reducing your runny nose, sneezing, and itching in your eyes and sinuses. Choose non-drowsy options.
- Leukotriene inhibitors This medicine blocks chemicals your body releases when you have an allergic reaction.
- Cromolyn sodium This nasal spray blocks chemicals that cause allergy symptoms, like histamine and leukotrienes.
If over-the-counter allergy medicine doesnt relieve your allergy symptoms, talk to a board-certified allergist about other treatment options. It is especially important for you to seek treatment if you have allergic asthma and ragweed pollen is a trigger for you.
Many people benefit from immunotherapy. This can come in the form of allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy .
With allergy shots, your doctor gives you injections of allergens in an increasing dose over time. You gradually become less sensitive to that allergen.
With SLIT, you take a small dose of an allergen under your tongue. You also gradually become less sensitive to that allergen. Currently, SLIT is available for ragweed and dust mite allergies.
Your Immune System May Mistake Other Plants And Food For Ragweed
There are other plants that are related to ragweed. They may cause allergy symptoms as well. Avoid planting sunflowers, sage, burweed marsh elder, rabbit brush, mugwort, groundsel bush, and eupatorium near your home.
If you have a condition called oral allergy syndrome , your mouth may itch or tingle when you eat certain foods. This is because the pollen is similar to the proteins in some foods, so your body cant tell the difference. This is called cross-reactivity.
Food such as cantaloupes, bananas, watermelon, and sunflower seeds may cause symptoms in some people who have a ragweed allergy.
Rarely, OAS can trigger anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, so it is important to know if you have OAS or a food allergy and how to treat it. Some of the symptoms of OAS and anaphylaxis may be similar. If you have symptoms when eating foods, talk with an allergist.
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