Buzz
Despite its name, the Ashe juniper, often mistakenly called mountain cedar, is not a cedar but an evergreen shrub. Predominant in the southern and western U.S., it pollinates from November to March. Unique for winter pollination, it triggers intense allergic reactions, commonly known as "Cedar Fever."
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance, such as food, insect bites, or, in the case of Cedar Fever, pollen. Pollen consists of microscopic plant cells dispersed by wind for reproduction. Your immune system incorrectly identifies pollen as harmful and launches a defensive response.
Cedar allergy symptoms often include itchy or watery eyes, a scratchy or sore throat, persistent coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose. Prolonged symptoms can lead to sleep loss, fatigue, reduced focus, lower productivity, irritability, emotional strain, and limitations in daily activities.
Allergy symptoms vary among individuals in both type and severity. While some experience symptoms year-round, they often intensify during winter and spring, coinciding with mountain cedar pollination.
If you notice allergy symptoms, schedule an appointment with an allergist for a proper diagnosis and to identify specific allergens. Your doctor might recommend medications to alleviate symptoms. To minimize Cedar Fever effects, stay indoors during high pollen days (check local weather reports for pollen counts). When outdoors, change clothes and shower afterward to eliminate pollen. Keep windows shut and use your air conditioner's "recirculate" mode to block pollen from entering your home.
