Navigating Christmas allergies

28th November 2023

Navigating Christmas allergies

It’s official. We’ve seen the Coca-Cola truck, Mariah Carey has defrosted, and Michael Buble is on the radio: Christmas is here. 

That means so is party season. Wearing our warmest jackets, we head out to the Christmas markets with our loved ones, huddled over mulled wine and overpriced but tasty cheese purchases. Boozy Christmas parties and catching up with friends and family, old and new, await us. 

With the holiday season just around the corner, many of us eagerly anticipate the joyous festivities that come with Christmas. 

However, amidst the twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the aroma of seasonal treats, it’s essential to be aware of potential allergens that could turn the most wonderful time of the year into a season of discomfort. 

When you’re breaking your familiar routine of the previous 11 months, and you’re in new environments, perhaps you’re meeting the future in-laws for the first time; you increase your exposure to unfamiliar triggers. This can lead to unexpected allergic reactions. 

As we approach the festive season, we wanted to give you a heads-up on common Christmas allergens, how to differentiate allergy symptoms from cold-related sickness, and what you can do to pave the way for more comfortable future celebrations.

Common Christmas allergens

Christmas trees

While the majestic presence of a real Christmas tree may evoke the holiday spirit, it can also bring unwelcome allergens such as mould spores and pollen into your home. If you think Christmas trees are a trigger for you, consider opting for an artificial tree to minimise exposure.

Ornaments and decorations

Dust and mould can accumulate on stored decorations throughout the year. Give them a thorough cleaning before decking the halls to avoid triggering allergies when unpacking.

Festive foods

Nuts, shellfish, and dairy are frequently present in holiday dishes. If you or your loved ones have food allergies, be vigilant about ingredient labels and cross-contamination in shared spaces. 

Poinsettias and holly

These classic Christmas plants can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Keep them out of reach if you have small children or pets prone to exploring.

Scented candles and potpourri

The enticing aromas of holiday candles and potpourri may hide potential irritants. Opt for unscented or hypoallergenic alternatives to create a cosy atmosphere without compromising your respiratory health.

Spotting allergies vs. cold-related illness

It can be challenging to distinguish between allergy symptoms and those of a cold, especially during the winter months. Allergy symptoms typically include:

• Itchy eyes and nose: Allergies often cause itching, which is less common in colds.
• Sudden onset: Cold symptoms usually develop gradually, while allergies can strike suddenly.
• Duration: Colds generally resolve within one to two weeks, whereas allergies may persist as long as the allergen is present.
• Fever: Allergies rarely cause a fever, whereas colds often do.

Taking Action

If you suspect you have Christmas-related allergies, taking a simple allergy test can provide valuable insights into your triggers. 

Armed with this information, you can take proactive measures to minimise exposure, such as choosing allergy-friendly decorations, communicating dietary restrictions at gatherings, and creating an allergy-conscious holiday environment.

This Christmas season, give yourself the gift of a joyful and symptom-free celebration. By getting tested and understanding your allergies, you can plan and ensure that future Christmases are filled with the warmth and joy that the season deserves. Don’t let allergies dampen your holiday spirit—take the necessary steps to make this and every Christmas a truly merry and 

allergy-free occasion.

Our allergy experts are here to guide you through the testing process and provide the support and advice you need to enjoy your life without stress. Don’t let allergies hold you back—take action now and invest in your well-being. Register as a new patient or call us at 02031 433 449 to make your future Christmasses as comfortable as they should be.

Allergic to Christmas: How your Christmas tree could be triggering your allergies

23rd December 2020

Allergic to Christmas: How your Christmas tree could be triggering your allergies

Most of us catch a cold in the colder months, but if you seem to be one of those that get a cold every year around Christmas, it might actually be an allergy. 7% of the population experience symptoms as a result of exposure to pine trees.

That’s right, it could be that getting in the Christmas spirit has been giving you that stuffy nose all these years. Although “Christmas Tree Syndrome” is rarely dangerous, you shouldn’t have to deal with feeling under the weather while trying to enjoy the holidays with your family.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a pine tree allergy mirror those of a cold, which is, without a test, hard to identify. Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing, but also include symptoms that are similar to hay fever, such as itchy, watery eyes with dark circles under them. You may also get a skin rash. 

Depending on whether you have asthma or existing allergies, these symptoms can be mild or quite severe, with extreme cases sometimes resulting in bronchitis or pneumonia. 

Causes 

It’s been estimated that approximately 35% of people in the UK and US suffer from an increase in hay-fever-like symptoms at Christmas, with real trees causing the most problems. Many factors can trigger this reaction, but it’s unlikely you’re allergic to the tree itself. You’re more likely to be allergic to other factors, like mould, pollen, and dust that has collected in the tree. 

The pollen from Christmas trees is inactive by the winter, but the tree may still be coated in weed pollen, which can trigger an allergic reaction. One of the most common triggers for respiratory reactions is dust mites, which you can unknowingly bring in on your Christmas tree.

Is artificial the answer?

Artificial trees can be a better alternative, but artificial trees can still harbour the mould and dust that can trigger a reaction. We often store trees in attics and cellars – places that are prone to mould and dust build-up. You can try wiping down your artificial tree and your Christmas decorations to remove the allergens and, hopefully, reduce your symptoms.

If you suspect there may be more to that cold you seem to get every Christmas, it’s always best to put any worry to bed by contacting an allergist. It means you can finally focus on enjoying the holidays with your loved ones.

At Allergy Clinic London, we have the allergy expertise to help you enjoy the holidays, stress-free. For an allergy test or advice on how to deal with your allergies, phone us today on 02031 433 449.