Cedar fever allergy symptoms are expected to be worse than usual this year in central Texas. The cold and rain in December delayed the tree’s normal spring cycle. As a result the cedar fever pollen counts have been lower than normal so far. But that’s changing. 

The late start to the cedar fever season means that the cedar fever allergy season may last a month or two longer and affect more people than usual this year. It could extend into late February, maybe even March and April.

And if central Texas gets more moisture, the count will probably be higher than normal, and cedar fever’s peak season may last longer.

But even with all of that to worry about, you can be cedar fever-free if you’ll take some simple precautions. If you do, cedar fever can be a thing of the past for you. 

Reduce Your Exposure To Cedar Pollen

While it’s nearly impossible to completely avoid inhaling cedar pollen, you can significantly reduce your exposure to it by taking some simple, common sense steps.

1. Keep your house and car windows closed and, if your car has a cabin air filter, change it frequently.

2. Wear a mask while doing yard work. Then change your clothes and take a shower immediately following time outside. If you don’t do this, you’ll be rubbing cedar pollen from your hair onto your pillow and then breathing it all night. 

3. Wash your hands often so you won’t be transferring cedar pollen to your eyes and nose.

4. Change your home’s air filters more frequently. This will help reduce the pollen count inside your home. HEPA filters, can help too, consider switching to them.

5. If you have any pets that go outside, wash or rinse them off more frequently. If your pets spend time outside, they will bring the cedar pollen inside with them.

6. Don’t hang laundry outside to dry.

Then, Keep Your Nose Clean with A Nasal Wash 

Even with all the above precautions you’re still going to collect some Cedar pollen in your nose and sinuses. When cedar pollen stays in your nose and sinuses long enough, it becomes an irritant. That’s when your body reacts to it (runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing and itchy or watery eyes).

So the best thing to do is to remove the cedar pollen from your nose and sinuses before it can become an irritant. Makes a lot of sense, right? A nasal wash is just like washing your hands often so you won’t catch a cold or the flu.

A nasal wash (or flush/rinse) can be the most effective way to relieve cedar fever symptoms without prescriptions and allergy medications. It’s easy to do, effective, and cheap, and there are many ways you can do a nasal wash. 

This guide explains how to make your own nasal wash solution, and describes many of the nasal wash solutions and devices available over-the-counter.

Don’t Wait for Cedar Fever Symptoms 

Do a nasal wash to clean the cedar pollen from your nose whenever you spend time outdoors. Especially during the height of cedar fever season. If you can see the pollen blowing from the trees you can bet that cedar fever pollen has made it’s way into your nose.

Do a nasal wash any time you notice any cedar fever symptoms, like a runny or stuffy nose. After you’ve been doing nasal washes for a while you’ll be able to tell when it’s time for a nasal wash.

For many people regular nasal rinses replace all the allergy pills, antihistamines and prescription nasal sprays associated with cedar fever. Saline nasal washes, homemade or purchased over-the-counter, can effectively remove the cedar fever pollen from your nose and sinuses.