SAN ANTONIO -- If you areallergic, you may have already noticed that cedar has been exploding the last few weeks.
Doctors say they have had an influx of patients in need of allergy relief.
Mountain cedar is one of a few trees that pollinate during the winter, and, according to Dr. Daniel Ramirez, the cedar season will continue through February.
This has been a less dramatic year than last year so far, but were definitely starting to see an influx of patients this past week, he said.
Ramirezoffers some suggestions to avoid severe attacks, such as putting your carAC on re-circulate, and avoidinggoing outside too much.
Some people like to have their windows open, particularly in the morning. I would not advise that if you re allergic to mountain cedar, he said.
Ramirezalso recommends over-the-counter antihistamines, and, if necessary, prescription medications. He said some people believe in eating the berries of female cedar trees in order to build a tolerance, but there is no scientific evidence that this method works.
HesaysIf all else fails, patients may want to try shots to build up a tolerance to pollen allergies.
About three years ago I started allergy shots, that changed the world for me, said Diane Gonzales who used to suffer from severe allergies. She says she hasn t had an allergy episode since.
Gonzalessays she knows others that have had the shots and haven t had the results she has had.
Doctorsclaim that shots work differently from one person to another.
