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.

Mold allergy: everything you need to know

22nd December 2021

Mold allergy: everything you need to know

It’s what every homeowner never wants to see: mold. Whether it’s in the bathroom, a cupboard in the kitchen, or hidden behind the wardrobes in the bedroom, it’s a nuisance. And you don’t always know it’s there.

This is bad enough, but for some people, it can trigger their allergies. It’s not a seasonal allergy either, meaning they might have to live with the symptoms all year round. So what are the signs of a mold allergy and what can you do to fix it?

Mold allergy symptoms

It’s not too different from other airborne allergies, such as hay fever or dust mite allergy. If you experience any of these symptoms regularly while at home, you might want to look for signs of mold:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy eyes
• Blocked nose

It shares a lot of similarities with a cold, so at this time of year, you might get them confused. And if you have asthma, you might have noticed it getting worse. Mold allergy could be the cause of this.

What to do about a mold allergy?

If you’ve noticed these symptoms in the past, it might be worth investigating for mold. Check the rooms you’re in most often, such as the bedroom or living room. It might not be initially obvious where it is, so check every nook and cranny. You’re looking for the telltale black, spotty patches. Since they thrive on moisture, look around the windows. The bathroom is another place you’ll want to investigate.

To prevent mold from growing in your home, make sure the house is well ventilated. You want to do what you can to stop the moisture from building up as mold loves that. This is especially important in the bathroom if you don’t have an extractor. Open the windows, clean regularly, and maybe even invest in a dehumidifier.

Some household objects might also harbour mold, so make sure to scrub down your bins and washing machine when you use them.

If you want to be 100% sure you know what you’re dealing with, get an allergy test. This will let you know if mold is the culprit. Once you know what you’re fighting against, you can take the best steps to keep yourself healthy and symptom-free.

The allergy specialists at the London Allergy and Immunology Centre can help you with your allergy diagnosis. Register as a new patient here or call us on 02031 433 449.

What winter allergies could you have?

24th November 2021

What winter allergies could you have?

Winter is practically here! And it’s plenty of people’s favourite time of year. Whether it’s the festivities that puts them in a happy mood or they simply prefer the cold, it’s certain to make some people feel very jolly indeed.

Not everyone shares that sentiment, though. Yes, some hate the cold and others could pass on the holiday season. But there are also those that associate this time of year with allergies and aggravation. What kind of allergies could even start up in winter? Let’s look at some potential culprits and what the real reason behind your reactions might be.

Snow

We’ll start with a strange one. Can you be allergic to snow? While anything might be technically possible with allergies, it’s probably not the snow causing it. Not directly, at least.

There’s a condition called ‘cold urticaria’. This is a sensitivity to cold weather that results in red, itchy skin, swelling, and potentially even anaphylaxis. All after being exposed to the cold. It’s a rare condition, but don’t be so quick to blame that snowman you built!

Christmas tree

This one is similar to snow, in that it might not exactly be the tree you’re allergic to. In fact, it might be something the tree is carrying that’s setting your allergies off.

Some people call it ‘Christmas tree syndrome’. The idea is that natural trees can harbour mold spores or fungi that sneak into your home. These then cause an increase in allergic reactions. For fake Christmas trees, it might be that they’ve picked up lots of dust or mold in storage, also setting off your sensitivities. The best advice is to make sure the tree is cleaned thoroughly before putting it up.

Turkey

A Christmas favourite, can this festive bird cause allergic reactions? According to one study, it’s not impossible, but also not very likely. In fact, it’s so rare that there aren’t really any figures for how many people have it.

Regardless, keep your eye on the food you’re eating and if it’s causing any issues. It could be another ingredient or something else entirely.

Don’t let your allergies drag you down this holiday season. Stay safe, stay wrapped up warm, and stay away from anything that might trigger your allergies. If you have any concerns, why not speak to an allergy specialist to give you the ultimate peace of mind?

If you think you have an undiagnosed allergy, get in touch with one of our experts. They can help you find any sensitivities and let you know how to treat them. Register for an appointment or reach us on 02031 433 449.

Is it a common cold or your allergies? How to know the difference

23rd January 2019

Is it a common cold or your allergies? How to know the difference

With the winter months now in full swing, many of us will end up enduring a common cold, cough, or chest infection. But don’t make this one mistake. Symptoms for the common cold can be all too similar to allergies. If you’re still experiencing your symptoms well into the new year, it’s time to ask yourself: what’s really making you ill?

Symptoms

If your winter cold isn’t going away, especially after a week, your symptoms might point to allergies. Allergic rhinitis and the common cold (and other upper respiratory issues) both have similar symptoms. Symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and fatigue are typical traits of both, but if you are also experiencing hives or itchy eyes, it might be time to consider another cause.

Another sign that your infection is actually allergic rhinitis is that cold side effects develop slower in contrast to allergies. However, symptoms like sore throats, fever, and aches may indicate that your cold has developed into a further infection. If this is the case, it’s best to talk to your GP. The above signs might also point to non-allergic rhinitis.

Triggers

Exposure to triggers such as pollen, food, or dust usually cause your body to react almost immediately. If you find yourself suffering from cold-like symptoms, you might have something else to point the finger at.

During the winter allergies can go wild. With Christmas trees, family gatherings, and plenty of food, it’s likely that you’ll come into contact with your fair share of allergens. So if you already know your triggers, be on the lookout.

Both colds and allergies affect the immune system, so it’s easy to see why you might confuse the conditions. While you may, in fact, be suffering from a bothersome but ultimately harmless cold, we highly recommend being tested for allergies. It’s better to be safe than sorry if one day the worst comes to pass. Don’t just stay warm this winter: stay healthy.

If you have been suffering from a ‘cold’ for more than a week, it could be a sign of allergic rhinitis. Find out once and for all why you feel unwell with the help of an allergy test and begin the new year allergy-free. Request an allergy test from us or visit our website.

Seasonal allergies: why you need the flu vaccination

30th October 2018

Seasonal allergies: why you need the flu vaccination

With winter quickly approaching, the public is already suffering from runny noses, coughs, and colds. But sometimes these symptoms can be more than the common cold; they could be signs of the flu. But what exactly is the flu and how does it differ from your run of the mill common cold?

What is it?

The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory illness that is most common during the winter. There are three types: A, B, and C.

• Type A: This type of flu is the culprit behind significant outbreaks that occur every few years. Unlike B and C, A type flu infects both humans and animals, such as wild birds.
• Type B: Less common than A and only found in humans.
• Type C: Not as dangerous as B and A, and unlikely to cause an epidemic.

Although colds and the flu are both contagious and have similar side effects, the difference is that you may experience a fever, body aches, and exhaustion for a prolonged length of time with the flu. Another sign that you may have the flu is that, unlike a common illness, it can seem to come on out of nowhere.

Other symptoms include:

• Dry, chesty cough
• A sore throat
• Difficulty sleeping
• Stomach pain
• Nausea or being sick

At risk groups

Although plenty of rest, water, and pain medication can help to treat your flu, it’s recommended that the public have the flu vaccination. Especially if you have allergies.

People with allergies may have a weakened immune system, making them an at-risk group. Other groups that the vaccination is recommended to include:

• People suffering from chronic illnesses
• Those who are pregnant
• People over the age of 65

Allergies

Unfortunately, the flu vaccination isn’t safe for everyone. As the vaccination is made using egg, this may put people who have an egg allergy at risk of an allergic reaction.

If you have allergies, be sure to talk to your GP before getting the vaccination so that you aren’t at risk. If you haven’t yet been diagnosed with allergies, but want to get the flu vaccination, an allergy test may be a good idea so that you can rule out further illness, especially if you suspect that you have an allergy to vaccination ingredients like eggs.

In the past, individuals with an egg allergy were discouraged from having the flu vaccination, but experts say that might not be the best course of action. If you’re concerned, it’s best to discuss your allergy with your GP. Under the care of a professional, a flu vaccination may still be the right option if the allergy isn’t life-threatening.

To prevent the spread of the flu, you should wash your hands regularly, use tissues when you sneeze or cough, and avoid being around people with flu or cold symptoms.

The winter can be stressful enough without allergies and conditions like asthma or eczema being added to the mix. To protect yourself, we highly recommend allergy tests; this can help to determine whether symptoms are allergens or the flu, as symptoms such as runny noses or itchy eyes are common in both.

If you think that you have allergies, why not test yourself at home? Request a home test kit or contact one of our consultants today to find out more.

Summer cold or allergies?

17th August 2018

Summer cold or allergies?

Do you spend the summer nights restless because you’re caught in a seemingly endless cycle of sneezing, or maybe you can’t get your eyes to stop itching! Well, it might be because the summer cold has returned and is in full swing.

What causes a summer cold?

The virus strain enterovirus causes summer colds whereas the rhinoviruses virus causes the winter cold. The enterovirus can infect the nose and throat tissue but can also affect the digestive system as well as skin.

It’s all too easy to pick up a summer cold during the heat as fans and aircon can dry out our nose which lets the enterovirus more likely to affect us.

How does it differ from a winter cold?

Summer and winter colds don’t differ much as both have similar symptoms; however, the winter cold is usually more full on but short-lived; whereas the summer cold continues for a prolonged amount of time. Symptoms include:

• Runny nose/sneezing
• Fatigue
• Temperature
• A sore throat/cough

If your symptoms are a continuing issue, and they don’t show signs of stopping, you may have an allergy as these symptoms are also closely linked to allergies such as hay-fever. Signs that it’s an allergy include:

• Your symptoms worsen in outdoor areas where there is a high level of pollen
• Symptoms continue past the two-week mark
• Your eyes are itchy, watering, or sting

If you know that you have allergies and that this signs ring true and worsen when you spend time outdoors, then the chances are that it’s your allergies flaring up. If you’re not sure or haven’t yet tested for allergies, then your next step should be doing just that.

Allergy testing

But it could always be your allergies acting up. We offer home testing across the UK both for adults and children. In fact, there are 400 allergens that could be affecting you without you realising. Just fill out our online form, receive your testing kit in the post, and return your results to us. It’s better to find out what’s causing your runny nose sooner rather than later.

Why suffer? You should be able to enjoy the summer by knowing what precautions to take to avoid discomfort. Allergy season may come and go; however, if your symptoms point to something other than hayfever or sensitivity to dust, then it’s better to find out.

Did you know that medical professionals could save more than 11,500 lives every year if people we open to seeking help before their symptoms took a turn for the worse?

Solve the mystery behind your summer sniffles with our remote home testing. At the London Allergy and Immunology Centre, we can test for over 100 different allergens at once. It’s time to find out whether it’s a cold or allergy that is bothering you. Book an appointment here to take the first steps to enjoy your summer not hate it.