Warm air skyrockets cedar pollen count

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Sunny, warm, and breezy conditions on Friday created ideal condition for cedar trees to release their pollen, and they did, in a big way — 5,311 grains of cedar pollen per cubic meter of air were measured by researchers Friday afternoon at Allergy and Asthma Associates in Austin. That compares to a count of only 66 grains Thursday.

This concentration of cedar pollen in the air is considered very heavy, and it likely spells misery for those with cedar allergies.

Itchy eyes, sneezing, sore throats, and clogged sinuses are some of the symptoms of a cedar allergy.  Sinus rinses, antihistamines and nasal sprays can provide relief, but those who experience particularly severe symptoms should see their doctor.

Mild, breezy weather is forecast again Saturday, so the cedar count is likely to remain high, though increasing rain by late Sunday and Monday should wash much of the pollen from the air.