Cedar pollens can produce very strong allergy symptoms in some people who suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. Many allergenic cedar trees are not true cedars, but are members of the juniper and cypress families.
In the United States, high demand for cedar allergy remedies exists in Texas, which records the world’s greatest pollen counts during the winter/spring reproductive season, according to the Allergy and Asthma Center of Austin. Western redcedar and Eastern redcedar, provoke allergies in other areas of the country.
Allergy Medications
Over-the-counter and prescription oral and nasal medications effectively remedy allergy symptoms such as congestion and runny nose. The MayoClinic.com reports that patients can choose from a wide variety of antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroids and other drugs.
These hay fever medications won’t change an individual’s sensitivity to cedar pollen, however. Immunotherapy, or injections that desensitize patients to certain allergens, has proven to reduce the severity of reactions to mountain cedar, in particular, the Allergy and Asthma Center of Austin relates.
Environmental Controls
Reducing patients’ exposure to airborne cedar allergens directly affects the onset of allergic rhinitis. Because tree pollens are able to disperse widely on the wind, keeping cedar off of personal property won’t eliminate environmental pollen.
The Cleveland Clinic suggests wearing a dust mask when venturing outdoors during hay fever season and installing an allergy filter on air conditioning systems. Keeping indoor air free of pollens prevents allergy symptoms. A vacuum with a HEPA filter and frequent showers and clothes laundering will help to control indoor environments.
Home Treatments
Drug therapy sometimes falls short and needs to be supplemented with nonmedicinal allergy remedies. A daily sinus rinse makes a safe and effective home treatment, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Tiny cedar pollen granules are notoriously plentiful, light and sticky, and settle in the mucous membranes of the nose. Preventing pollen from being ingested into the sinuses and lungs will avert allergy symptoms. Allergic rhinitis patients can use a nonprescription saline solution from the pharmacy to flush the nasal passages.
Avoidance Techniques
Allergy patients should avoid yard work, if possible, during cedar pollen season. Watching the pollen count reports will steer patients clear of outdoor environments in general when cedar pollen levels are high.
The MayoClinic.com notes that hay fever allergens are most prevalent in the air in the morning hours and at other times during hot, dry, breezy weather. The safest time for allergic rhinitis sufferers to indulge in outdoor activities is after a heavy rain.
