Cedar fever in Austin: What You Need To Know
- Posted on: Dec 9 2025
Cedar pollen season in Central Texas typically begins in late November and lasts until mid-January. During this time, pollen released from mountain cedar trees can trigger a flare-up of allergic rhinitis symptoms, including nasal congestion, facial pressure, and postnasal drip. Despite the name, fevers are generally not a common feature. However, in susceptible individuals, the significant allergy response can lead to acute sinus infections or worsen chronic sinus issues.How is cedar fever diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually based on a patient’s history and a physical examination. A CT scan of the sinuses may be recommended to determine whether a sinus infection is present, which can guide treatment.
How is cedar fever treated?
Cedar fever is treated similarly to other forms of allergic rhinitis, using medications, immunotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
Medications for allergies include oral antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec®), loratidine (Claritin®), and fexofenadine (Allegra®). These are usually once daily tablets that reduce allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine, which causes several symptoms of cedar fever. Nasal antihistamine sprays such as azelastine (Astelin®, Astepro®) have a similar effect, but are limited to the nasal cavity. Nasal steroid sprays such as fluticasone (Flonase®) or mometasone (Nasonex) work to decrease inflammation in the nasal cavity.
Immunotherapy involves controlled exposure to allergens to reduce the immune system’s reaction. Traditional allergy injections (subcutaneous immunotherapy or SCIT) and allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy or SLIT) follow the same principle of retraining the immune system. At Sinus and Snoring Specialists, allergy drops are often preferred for convenience and comfort. This can be an effective way to address the allergy at its root.
Lifestyle modifications can also help, including using indoor air purifiers, wearing a mask outdoors during high-pollen days, and performing nasal saline rinses to clear pollen from the nasal passages.
Does cedar fever lead to other health problems?
In patients who have severe allergies or structural problems with the nose (like a deviated septum), a flare of allergy symptoms can cause significant swelling to the nasal cavity and cause a sinus infection by preventing the sinuses from draining effectively.
Inflammation in the nasal cavity can also worsen Eustachian tube dysfunction, leading to ear pressure, fullness, or temporary hearing changes.
Patients with a history of asthma may note worsening of their asthma symptoms during cedar season.
At Sinus and Snoring Specialists, we offer comprehensive solutions to manage cedar fever and its related complications.
Schedule a consultation today to get your allergies under control and breathe easier this cedar season.
📞/💬 Call / Securely Text (KLARA): 512-601-0303
🌐 Visit: www.sinussnoringent.com
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Posted in: Allergies, Cedar Fever, Cedar Season
