Holiday activities can trigger allergies
Posted: Friday, December 26, 2008
SIOUX CITY - For many, it’s more common to say “gesundheit” than it is to say “happy holidays” this time of year.
According to a recent survey, three out of four adults report an increase of allergy attacks, including headaches, eye irritation and sinus congestion, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.
“These ‘Christmas allergies’ are much more common than people think,” said Dr. James Oggel of Sioux City Allergy and Asthma Associates, P.C. “And it’s enough to put a damper on anybody’s holidays.”
A chief suspect in these seasonal sneezes may be your Christmas tree.
“While most people assume it’s the pollen that’s the source of their symptoms,” Oggel explained, “it’s more likely that it’s the mold triggering your allergy.”
Many evergreens are cut and stored months before Christmas, causing mold to grow.
“That’s also why people may feel fine immediately after putting up a live tree, only to start sneezing the closer it gets to Christmas,” Oggel said. “It’s the build-up of mold in the tree.”
Oggel said some retailers have shaking machines to rid your tree of mold. Also be sure to shake and dry out live wreaths and other seasonal greenery you might use for decorating.
But a live tree is not the only thing that can turn you into a Grinch. Artificial trees aren’t much better.
“Mold can easily build up on the artificial tree you keep packed away in your basement 11 months out of the year,” Oggel warned. “And that mold isn’t just on your tree but it’s also on your Christmas decorations.”
Oggel recommends storing your artificial tree and decorations in a well-sealed carton in a dry portion of your home. He also suggests opening the cartons outside or in a garage. Allowing the tree and decorations to dry for 24 hours before bringing them into your living room may also save you from the nagging holiday cough.
While some may pine for the smells of the season, for others, it just causes headaches.
“People can be sensitive to certain smells,” Oggel said. “If you tend to have bad reactions from some perfumes, chances are heavily scented candles or artificially scented decorations and potpourri may trigger your allergies.”
Cooking can also send you kvetching.
“Holiday parties are notorious for folks with food allergies,” Oggel said.
He said people who are allergic to nuts stay away from cookies that may contain crushed-up pieces of hazelnut in the flour.
“During the holidays, it’s OK to deal with the nuts in your family,” Oggel said jokingly. “You shouldn’t have to deal with them in your cookie dough.”
And what about the new puppy or kitten you’re getting for the kids this Christmas?
“It’s awful when you discover the family’s new pet is making everyone sick,” Oggel said. “Plus it’s not only dogs and cats. People can be wheezy after exposure to gerbils, hamsters, floppy-eared rabbits, any animal with long hair, really.”
But Oggel doesn’t want anyone to miss out on the joys of the season, simply because they’re battling the sniffles.
“Just stay alert to your symptoms and your surroundings,” he said. “Nobody should miss out on Christmas, even those who may be allergic to it.”
According to a recent survey, three out of four adults report an increase of allergy attacks, including headaches, eye irritation and sinus congestion, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.
“These ‘Christmas allergies’ are much more common than people think,” said Dr. James Oggel of Sioux City Allergy and Asthma Associates, P.C. “And it’s enough to put a damper on anybody’s holidays.”
A chief suspect in these seasonal sneezes may be your Christmas tree.
“While most people assume it’s the pollen that’s the source of their symptoms,” Oggel explained, “it’s more likely that it’s the mold triggering your allergy.”
Many evergreens are cut and stored months before Christmas, causing mold to grow.
“That’s also why people may feel fine immediately after putting up a live tree, only to start sneezing the closer it gets to Christmas,” Oggel said. “It’s the build-up of mold in the tree.”
Oggel said some retailers have shaking machines to rid your tree of mold. Also be sure to shake and dry out live wreaths and other seasonal greenery you might use for decorating.
But a live tree is not the only thing that can turn you into a Grinch. Artificial trees aren’t much better.
“Mold can easily build up on the artificial tree you keep packed away in your basement 11 months out of the year,” Oggel warned. “And that mold isn’t just on your tree but it’s also on your Christmas decorations.”
Oggel recommends storing your artificial tree and decorations in a well-sealed carton in a dry portion of your home. He also suggests opening the cartons outside or in a garage. Allowing the tree and decorations to dry for 24 hours before bringing them into your living room may also save you from the nagging holiday cough.
While some may pine for the smells of the season, for others, it just causes headaches.
“People can be sensitive to certain smells,” Oggel said. “If you tend to have bad reactions from some perfumes, chances are heavily scented candles or artificially scented decorations and potpourri may trigger your allergies.”
Cooking can also send you kvetching.
“Holiday parties are notorious for folks with food allergies,” Oggel said.
He said people who are allergic to nuts stay away from cookies that may contain crushed-up pieces of hazelnut in the flour.
“During the holidays, it’s OK to deal with the nuts in your family,” Oggel said jokingly. “You shouldn’t have to deal with them in your cookie dough.”
And what about the new puppy or kitten you’re getting for the kids this Christmas?
“It’s awful when you discover the family’s new pet is making everyone sick,” Oggel said. “Plus it’s not only dogs and cats. People can be wheezy after exposure to gerbils, hamsters, floppy-eared rabbits, any animal with long hair, really.”
But Oggel doesn’t want anyone to miss out on the joys of the season, simply because they’re battling the sniffles.
“Just stay alert to your symptoms and your surroundings,” he said. “Nobody should miss out on Christmas, even those who may be allergic to it.”
