AUSTIN, Texas — Texas is considered one of the worst places for allergies, especially as cedar season is underway.
Allergists from the Austin Diagnostic Clinic at St. David's North Austin Medical Center are seeing more patients suffering from cedar fever right now.
Despite the name, Dr. John Villacis said cedar fever is an allergic reaction to pollen from the ashe juniper tree and not a fever. Symptoms include itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, congestion and post-nasal drip.
Villacis said early on, it can be hard to tell the difference between cedar fever and other illnesses, like a cold.
"If you're having symptoms of sinus pressure, fever, discolored mucus, sore throat, muscle aches, that tends to be more infection in nature," Villacis said.
He also said allergy sufferers should remember to take care of their lungs.
"I would also remind patients and parents that along with cedar, it's not just the stuffy, runny, sneezy congestion symptoms that one can have. It can also affect your lungs, and there are some patients that are very susceptible, especially the children that could be susceptible to asthma," Villacis said.
He said sufferers should start using over-the-counter oral antihistamines, like Claritin, and nasal steroids, like Flonase, now.
Villacis also recommended washing your sheets in hot water once a week and changing air filters every couple of months.
Cedar season typically runs from December to February.