Cedar Fever
Quick answer: Cedar fever is an intense allergic reaction to mountain cedar (Ashe juniper) pollen — not an actual fever. Austin sits in the heart of cedar territory, and peak season runs late December through February, with pollen counts that regularly exceed 10,000–20,000 grains per cubic meter. Start a daily intranasal corticosteroid spray 1–2 weeks before season begins, add a non-sedating antihistamine, and consider allergy immunotherapy for long-term relief — the AAAAI/JCAAI review documents durable benefit after a complete course.
Despite its name, cedar fever is not actually a fever — it's an intense allergic reaction to pollen from the Ashe juniper tree (commonly called mountain cedar). Every year from December through February, these trees release massive clouds of pollen across Central Texas, and Austin regularly ranks as the number one cedar fever city in the country.
Symptoms of Cedar Fever
Cedar fever can hit hard and fast. Common symptoms include:
- Severe nasal congestion and runny nose
- Persistent sneezing
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes
- Sore throat and postnasal drip
- Fatigue and general malaise
- Headache and facial pressure
Because the symptoms overlap with colds and the flu, many people don't realize allergies are the cause — especially if they've recently moved to the Austin area.
Why Austin Is Hit So Hard
Mountain cedar trees are native to the Texas Hill Country and produce extraordinarily high pollen counts during winter months. On peak days, pollen levels can exceed 20,000 grains per cubic meter of air. Roughly 75% of Austinites experience some degree of cedar fever symptoms during the season.
Treatment Options
If over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays aren't providing enough relief, our ENT specialists can help with a more targeted approach:
- Allergy testing to confirm cedar and identify other triggers
- Prescription nasal sprays and medications tailored to your symptoms
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual drops) — the most effective long-term treatment for addressing the root cause of your allergies rather than just managing symptoms
Immunotherapy works by gradually training your immune system to tolerate cedar pollen, and it has proven to be highly effective for long-term relief.
If you suffer from cedar fever and find that traditional ways of getting relief don't work for you, Capital ENT and Sinus Center can help. We have over 25 years of experience treating Austin allergies, and with a quick appointment we can help make a gameplan to get you feeling better. Don't wait — get relief today.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace an in-person evaluation. Every patient is unique — schedule a consultation to discuss your specific symptoms and treatment options.
Struggling with Cedar Fever?
Capital ENT's allergy specialists offer comprehensive allergy testing and treatment options to help you find lasting relief.