Seasonal

Central Texas has overlapping allergy seasons that run almost year-round. Mountain cedar peaks December through February. Oak and other tree pollens dominate March through May. Grasses run May through October. Ragweed peaks September and October. Indoor allergens like dust mites and mold drive symptoms year-round. The brief gaps between peaks are the only true low-pollen weeks for most patients. Track real-time exposure on our daily pollen count, updated weekdays from our certified Waco pollen station.

Cedar fever is the colloquial name for the severe allergic reaction to mountain cedar (Ashe juniper) pollen that affects roughly 20 percent of long-term Central Texas residents. The trees produce some of the most potent tree pollen in North America, and Central Texas sits in the center of their range. Symptoms include intense congestion, sneezing, fatigue, and a heavy bone-deep tiredness that mimics flu. Read our full guide on cedar fever symptoms, take the cedar fever risk profiler, or learn about cedar allergy treatment options.

Morning allergy symptoms are usually a combination of accumulated overnight nasal congestion, peak outdoor pollen release between 5 and 10 a.m., dust mite exposure from bedding, and pet dander concentration in the bedroom. Pollen counts for many tree and grass species hit their daily peak in the morning hours, which is why outdoor patients often feel worst before noon. Our article on why allergies are worse in the morning breaks down each contributor and what to do about it.

Start preventive treatment 2 to 4 weeks before your typical season begins. For cedar season patients, that means starting nasal steroids and antihistamines in mid to late November. For oak season patients, late February. Track daily pollen counts so you know when your specific trigger is climbing. If you have not been formally tested, an allergy testing visit identifies exactly what you react to so the prevention plan is targeted rather than generic.

For patients with moderate to severe seasonal allergies that affect daily life, yes. Immunotherapy retrains the immune system to stop reacting to specific pollens over a 3 to 5 year course. In our 45 plus years treating Central Texas patients, allergy shots succeed in 85 to 90 percent of cases and sublingual drops in 75 to 85 percent. Once treatment finishes, the benefit usually persists for many years. The math works out for most patients who otherwise face daily medication for life. Take the immunotherapy candidacy quiz to see if you are a fit.