With the weather in our country these days, colds , body aches, and fever are very common, aren't they? But do you continue to have these symptoms? Is the mucus coming from your nose not green/yellow but clear like water? Do you have itchy eyes and frequent sneezing, and do you not feel better even after taking cold medicine ? Then this may not be a common cold. Today we are talking about a condition called 'Cedar Fever ', which looks like that, but is actually a severe allergy.
What exactly is 'Cedar Fever'?
First of all, even though it's called 'Fever', not everyone gets a fever. And it's not a viral disease. Simply put, Cedar Fever is a very severe form of allergy .
The main reason for this situation is the trees called 'Cedar' and 'Juniper'. Although these trees are not found in our country, they are abundant in countries like America, Mexico, and Japan. So if you live in or are traveling to such a country, it is very important to be aware of this.
These trees release huge amounts of pollen into the air during the winter, especially after a cold spell. Imagine what would happen if the air suddenly filled with this much pollen. Even someone who is not normally allergic can experience severe allergic symptoms when exposed to such a large amount of pollen.
The most important thing is to understand that this is not caused by a virus, but by a large amount of plant pollen.
What are the symptoms of this? How do you tell it apart from a cold?
Because it is common during the winter, many people confuse it with a common cold or the flu. However, there are clear differences. Let's take a look at the main symptoms of Cedar Fever.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Runny nose and congestion | Watery, clear mucus discharge and nasal congestion. |
| Itchy and watery eyes | The eyes are red, scratched incessantly, and teary. |
| Frequent sneezing | Continuous sneezing is common. |
| Itchy/sore throat | Feeling an unusual itch or pain in the throat. |
| Extreme fatigue | Feeling extremely tired for no reason. |
| Earache and loss of smell | Your ears may feel blocked, and your sense of smell may also be reduced. |
How do you distinguish this from a cold?
According to doctors, one of the biggest clues is the color of your mucus .
- Clear, watery mucus: This could be the beginning of an allergy like Cedar Fever or a common viral cold.
- Yellow, green, or thick mucus: This can often be a sign of another medical condition, such as a bacterial infection.
If you have other medical conditions like asthma , COPD , or diabetes , this allergy can make your symptoms worse. In such a case, you should definitely see your doctor immediately.
How to treat and manage?
Since this is an allergy, the treatment methods are similar.
1. Antihistamine Medication: During an allergy, our body produces a chemical called 'Histamine'. This is why these symptoms occur. Antihistamine medications work by reducing the activity of this histamine. Although these can be purchased at pharmacies, it is best to ask your doctor to find out what is best for you.
2. Nasal Irrigation: This is a simple method that many people find helpful. By rinsing the nasal passages with saline, you can remove pollen and mucus that has accumulated inside the nose. You can use a Neti pot or a special bottle for this.
3. Prescription medications: If symptoms are difficult to control with standard treatments, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications such as corticosteroids.
But remember, the best thing to do is to reduce your exposure to these pollens as much as possible.
What can you do to protect yourself from this pollen?
Although this cannot be completely prevented, these things can help reduce the severity of symptoms.
- Reduce your exposure to pollen on days with high pollen counts: You can find out about pollen counts in your area by checking the weather reports. There is a lot of pollen in the air on dry, windy days.
- Keep your home and car windows closed: Be especially careful with this during peak pollen season.
- Shower after going outside: It is very important to shower and change clothes after coming back from outside to remove any pollen from your body and hair.
- Wear a mask: Wearing a mask, sunglasses, and a hat when going outside can help reduce pollen from entering your nose, mouth, and eyes.
- Change air filters in your home and car: Keeping these clean can reduce the amount of pollen coming into your home.
- Take care of your pets: If your pet goes outside, pollen can accumulate in their fur. So it's a good idea to bathe them regularly.
Is it okay to cut down cedar trees in the garden?
No. It won't do much good. Because this pollen can travel for miles on the wind. So even if you cut down your tree, you can still be affected by pollen from nearby trees.
Take-Home Message
- Cedar Fever is not a viral disease, but a severe allergy caused by plant pollen.
- Although the main symptoms are similar to those of a cold, clear mucus, itchy eyes, and persistent sneezing are common in this condition.
- Although these trees are not found in Sri Lanka, it is important for those living in or traveling to countries like America to be aware of this.
- The best thing to do, rather than treatment, is to avoid exposure to pollen as much as possible.
- If your symptoms are severe, do not improve with standard treatments, or if you have other conditions such as asthma, see your doctor without hesitation.
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