Mountain cedars are gorgeous, hulking trees that grow in abundance from southern Missouri all the way through Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Arizona. The thick trunks and wispy leaves of the mountain cedars make for a beautiful backdrop in winter. And their low-slung branches beckon for travelers to climb them. They are, by all accounts, an alluring and seductive tree.
Talk to anyone who lives here, though, and they have quite a different story to tell. Theirs is a story of itchy, watery eyes, noses that flow like the San Pedro River, and sneezing that is so violent it almost knocks them out of their shoes.
This condition is known as cedar fever.
Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
While the causes of cedar fever are pretty straight forward, it’s always a good idea to know what to rule out and what the signs and symptoms are.
Causes
Cedar pollen is released in huge, drifting clouds able to travel for miles, irritating allergy suffers. Texas and Arizona have two types of native plants that are associated with cedar fever, including:
- Juniper Trees
- Cypress Trees
Symptoms
Symptoms of cedar fever can mirror those of a common cold and flu, including:
- Frequent Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Irritated eyes
- Low-grade fever
- Sinus congestion
- Fatigue
Treatment Options
There are over-the-counter remedies as well as prescribed medication to help with the cedar fever symptoms. About 75% of people who suffer severely with cedar fever symptoms can benefit from allergy shots. It’s important to visit a medical professional if you’re concerned about your symptoms, but if they are mild, over-the-counter options include:
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
While a self-diagnosis may seem beneficial, the only way to totally rule out any other ailments is to seek the advice of a medical professional. FastMed Urgent Care is open 365 days a year, and our hours extend later than most physicians’ offices for your convenience. Not only can you seek treatment for cedar fever from our professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate staff, but FastMed also offers an array of medical services like vaccinations, illness and injury management, x-rays, and physical exams. We strive to get you in and out of our office quickly so you can go on about your day and get on the road to feeling better. To find the FastMed Urgent Care facility that’s closest to you, check out our list of locations.
You Can’t Hide from Cedar Fever.
Cedar fever is a seasonal allergy brought on by an allergic reaction to the pollen produced by the cedar trees from November to March. Although no one living among the trees can completely avoid the pollen, there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure:
- Keep your doors and windows closed.
- Vacuum your carpets each week.
- Change your air conditioning filters often.
Even if you end up with a bad case of cedar fever despite your efforts, there are ways to soothe your symptoms. Over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, eye drops, or neti pots may temporarily relieve the symptoms, but you should see a medical professional if your symptoms persist.
FastMed Urgent Care has locations throughout Arizona and North Carolina and is staffed with only the highest quality medical professionals. All of our clinics are open every day of the year, never require an appointment, and accept most major insurance plans and credit cards. Call or stop by today!
About FastMed
FastMed is a North Carolina-based integrated healthcare company based in Durham, NC. It operates more than 50 locations in 34 counties providing urgent care and occupational health as well as primary care at select locations. FastMed accepts most insurance plans and is one of a few private urgent care centers also accredited by The Joint Commission. Learn more at fastmed.com.