Austin is a city known for allergens, and we are on the cusp of the granddaddy of them all: cedar. Cedar pollen begins to rise in December, peaks in January and finally clears out in March. But those 4 months can wreck havoc on people sensitive to cedar pollen. The best way to manage cedar allergies is to stay ahead of the game.
If you use a nasal corticosteroid, like fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, etc., seasonally for cedar, remember to schedule your refill or buy a non-prescription supply at your local pharmacy as soon as possible. We recommend starting your daily regimen the last week of November. It can take up to 7 days for the full benefit of a nasal corticosteroid to take effect, so start early and be consistent with your doses.
Also, have your antihistamine and decongestant meds ready. Antihistamines like diphenhydramine, loratadine, and cetirizine (the active ingredients in products like Benadryl, Claritin, and Zyrtec), or decongestants like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine (available in products like Sudafed), work more quickly than nasal sprays. You may start these medications in anticipation of symptoms, but since they act more rapidly than nasal corticosteroids, they can be started at the first sign of symptoms.
Allergen avoidance is a key recommendation for allergy suffers. During peak seasons take steps to limit your exposure to cedar pollen. Pollen is airborne and settles on surfaces, so you may need to wear a mask when you are outside for prolonged periods of time. Any yard work or other tasks that involve disrupting settled debris like cleaning gutters, sweeping porches, etc. will stir up pollen, so a mask is essential. Remember that pollen will settle and stick to your clothes and shoes. Leave shoes outside or in a confined area, and wash clothes immediately to reduce pollen tracking into your home. Also, don’t forget to change home air filters more regularly in allergy season to limit pollen levels in doors.
Completely avoiding cedar pollen is impossible, but rinsing your eyes and nose after being outside can help. Using a saline nasal spray to flush the pollen from your nasal pathway and eyes with a rinse will limit exposure to the allergen and reduce your body’s reaction: mainly itchy, watery eyes and sneezing. We also recommend carrying eye drops with you if you plan to be outside for a prolonged period. Artificial teardrops are good to flush away allergens, but if you are experiencing watery, itchy eyes consider using antihistamine drops like ketotifen or pheniramine. (There are several OTC brands like Bausch & Lomb and Visine, which have products containing these ingredients.)
Allergies tend to leave suffers feeling tired and worn down. Poor rest and dehydration can make this worse. Drink plenty of water to help your body manage its response to, and elimination of, allergens. Work proactively to manage symptoms like congestion and cough from post nasal drip which can disrupt sleep and leave you tired.
If you are allergic to cedar, we know you’re already bracing for the season in Austin. Here is a recap of things you can do now to help reduce the effects of the dreaded “cedar fever”:
• Drink even more water. The body’s immune reaction to allergies uses a lot of water. Increase your water intake to prevent thick mucous, dry lips and mouth, and tiredness.
• Start preventative medications now. Nasal corticosteroids, like fluticasone, triamcinolone, or budesonide, are the best recommendation for allergies but can take a few days to weeks to reach full effect. Start your regimen now and continue until March when cedar pollen it is fully gone.
• Limit allergen exposure. Cedar pollen will be especially concentrated in yard debris, so wear a mask when doing yard work, mowing, sweeping outdoor areas, cleaning gutters, etc. Then, leave your shoes outside and remove and wash clothes immediately. Bathing after being outside will also remove pollen from the skin and especially the hair.
• Flush your eyes and nose. Use a saline eyewash or teardrops regularly when outside, and consider a saline nasal rinse to remove pollen and limit the exposure time.
• Manage runny nose, cough, congestion and sore throat. Antihistamines and decongestants can work quickly to control these symptoms. If you use a nasal corticosteroid regularly during allergy season, you will be less likely to experience these symptoms, but if you feel the symptoms coming on, start treatment immediately.
Don’t forget, we are here to help. Come see Aaron at the pharmacy and he’ll recommend a personalized regimen you can start today.