Holiday Allergies

We have been sneezing like crazy at our house. I saw this story today from Medstar and wondered if all the Christmas decorations are to blame. I think my 6-year-old got out every holiday decoration he could find. We have three Christmas trees and lights everywhere. It looks a little tacky, but it was so much fun watching him. Anyway, I am sure there are dust mites on some of this stuff. I bought one of the trees at Big Lots about 10 years ago!

FROM MEDSTAR: Holidays are supposed to be fun, but it’s possible the things you’ve decked the hall with are bringing you down - with allergy symptoms! You can put the “merry” back into the season by eliminating the allergens nipping at your nose! Rochelle Doctor looks forward to the holidays, but she also has to look ‘forward’ to avoid allergy triggers. Rochelle Doctor “I’ve really worked at eliminating triggers, because once you’ve been exposed to a trigger, all you can do is take medication to try to control it.” Rochelle’s strategy starts with keeping her decorations as dust-free as possible from season to season.

Rochelle Doctor “Just take like a little brush, and just brush it off lightly, and put it in a plastic bag or Ziploc bag and then store it away.” Her allergy doctor takes the decoration advice a step further. Her allergy doctor takes the decoration advice a step further. Dr. Clifford Bassett “I usually recommend to individuals who believe they have allergies to try something that’s plastic, metal or glass that’s easy to clean.” In fact, this time of year can take a toll on many unsuspecting patients’ merriment. Dr. Clifford Bassett “Many sufferers complain of a variety of nasal and sinus symptoms during the holidays, and they don’t realize that they indeed have allergies, and they have holiday allergies that are making them worse.”

So what’s on the naughty list? Molds blooming on fresh trees… dust lurking on artificial ones… and strong scents. Dr. Clifford Bassett “The smallest amount of airway irritant such as smoke, fragrance, potpourri, incense and particularly candles, could really wreak havoc during the holidays.” There is hope, though, if you make a list of possible triggers, and have an allergist check it twice before the season starts.

Dr. Clifford Bassett “It’s important to find out if you have them because treatment really does work, and it helps to prevent symptoms from getting worse.” A way to avoid re-gifting yourself with holiday allergies next year! Food allergies can also present a problem during the holidays. Hidden ingredients in party foods, like nuts, seafood or dairy products can cause reactions. Doctor Bassett recommends that food allergy patients alert hosts or restaurants to their sensitivities, and also plan ahead by bringing a safe snack.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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