Winter brings a welcome respite for those who suffer from hay fever and asthma, as most outdoor allergens are no longer present and don’t return until spring. Unfortunately, though, allergens don’t take the festive season off. Indoor holiday get-togethers significantly increase exposure to the most common allergens: animals, dust mites, and mold.
Common Holiday Allergy and Asthma Triggers
1. Christmas Trees
Does your Christmas tree make you sneeze or cause shortness of breath? It’s unlikely that you are allergic to the tree itself, but the fragrance may be irritating. Some trees may also be home to microscopic mold spores that trigger asthma or allergies, causing symptoms like sneezing or an itchy nose. Use an artificial tree or, if you must have the real thing, let the tree dry in a garage or enclosed porch for a week and give it a good shake before bringing it inside.
Definition:
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/microscopic
2. Artificial Snow and Flocking
When applying artificial snow to surfaces, read and follow the instructions closely. These sprays can be harmful if you breathe them in, as they may cause lung irritation or even worsen asthma symptoms.
3. The “Thanksgiving Effect”
When you take a trip for the holidays and leave your pet at home, you may come back to a new problem: You might become allergic to your very own pet. This is called the “holiday effect” or the “Thanksgiving effect.” It happens when you lose your previous immunity to your pet after being away from it for a few days.
4. Stress-Induced Asthma
It is essential to understand that stress can trigger asthma. During severe stress, the body can release chemicals that tighten the muscles around the airways, making breathing even more impossible.
Final Thoughts
Enjoy the holiday season with all your family and friends. Don’t let asthma or allergy symptoms ruin your particular time this winter! Stay alert and be prepared for all the possible triggers mentioned above so that you only need to worry about which family members are going where and on what date.
If you still have questions about the holidays and what they might mean for people with asthma and allergies, don’t hesitate to call Asthma & Allergy Associates doctors today.