7 Tips for Texas Cedar Allergy Relief
Your Guide to Surviving Cedar Allergies in Texas Hill Country
Ahh yes, December - February. A fun time of the year because of the holidays and cooler weather. But those of us that suffer from cedar allergies can also dread this time of year.
Runny nose, itchy eyes, sore throat and increased fatigue are just a few of the irritating symptoms of cedar season.
And there’s nothing worse than looking outside your window to see a cloud of yellow pollen floating around in the air, am I right? Honestly, I tend to avoid going outside as much as possible these 2 months.
I even keep a box of tissues in my car because I know cedar allergy symptoms can strike at any time and I don’t want to be caught unprepared!
But enough with the negative talk.
Today I want to share with you what I’ve done to help my allergy symptoms. I do still get stuffy noses and watery eyes but they have drastically decreased due to these steps I’ve taken.
Here’s what I did that helped alleviate my allergy symptoms:
1. Allergy Pills
This one may seem obvious, but it’s important to include. After my morning shower, I take two Zyrtec’s. When I lived in Houston I took Claritin, however I’ve figured out that Zyrtec works better for the allergies I have here in Texas Hill Country. Your OTC allergy pill will help your daily symptoms so much. Be sure to talk to your doctor about which allergy pill may work best for you.
2. Air Purifier
I purchased this air purifier from Amazon and set it up in my bedroom to sleep with at night. I found myself waking up with allergy symptoms all night. And the worst was my sore throat that almost felt like it was closing/tightening each night.
This air purifier has been a game changer in helping get that cedar pollen out of the air in my home. I tend to move it around the house with me. For example, when I’m in my office working, I’ll turn it on. Then maybe I’ll move it to the living room for the evening while I’m relaxing and then finally in the bedroom all night while I’m sleeping. Ideally, I suggest investing in a few to spread throughout your home.
3. Hair Washing
I know we like to put a few days in between washing our hair but during cedar season, I wash my hair a lot more at night. Especially if I’ve been walking a lot outside or doing yard work, I will 100% wash my hair before bed. Even if we can’t see it, pollen gets in our hair during the day and doesn’t come out until it’s washed.
Carrying that pollen around with you for several days will wreak havoc on your allergies. Not to mention what it will do to you overnight while you toss around with pollen in your bedsheets!
4. Pillowcase
Following on from the night time hair washing, changing your pillowcase every night will help if you don’t want to wash your hair each night. Yes, changing out your pillowcase each night may cause you to do some extra laundry for a couple months but it will increase your quality of sleep.
Any cedar pollen from your hair or neck will rub off during the night onto your pillowcase. Then, you sleep on that pollen-filled pillow for a week. No bueno! So deal with the increased laundry and change your pillowcase every night during cedar season.
5. Mask Up
This isn’t going to be a popular one, but it does help. I know the last thing we all want to do is wear a mask outside but it does make a difference! If you’re taking a walk, doing yard work or playing outside with your dog/kids, your mask will act as a filter and aid in relieving your allergy symptoms.
6. Cedar Allergy Drops
I saw some recommendations for cedar allergy drops on Nextdoor so I decided to give them a try. It’s recommended that you start them in late November, before cedar season actually starts and each day put several drops under your tongue.
I do notice a difference on days when I’ve used them vs. on days when I forget them.
7. Pets
Do your pets like spending time outside? I think most do! Unfortunately while they’re outside pollen is gathering on their fur and that pollen is tracked back into your house when you let your pet back in the house.
I’ve noticed a few times when I’m sitting on the couch and my dog jumps up next to me and all of a sudden I start sneezing and my eyes water up. Yep, he has cedar pollen on his fur.
To help with this, wet a cloth and wipe your pets fur before they go into your house.
Alright my fellow Central Texas allergy sufferers, there you have it!
7 immediate actions you can take to help relieve your cedar allergy symptoms. And if you don’t take care of your symptoms, they could turn into worse health issues like a sinus infection or even bronchitis.
So let’s take our health back and stop sneezing your way through December, January and February!
Tell me in the comments which suggestions you’re going to try!
