Realize

“You don’t realize how much you take breathing for granted until your nose is stuffed up.” (Woman’s World)

Have you been suffering from coughing, wheezing, chest pains, lethargy, itchy noses, sneezing, watery eyes, or insomnia this December? Do you notice itchy, red bumps (a rash) on yourself when you string lights on your Christmas tree? Do you have to use more frequently your asthma inhaler over the holidays? People who notice their allergies worsening this time of year might be experiencing what’s called Christmas Tree Syndrome.

Christmas Tree Syndrome is a seasonal illness which is caused by your Christmas tree (or your Christmas wreaths). The allergic condition is caused by the presence of a Christmas tree in an enclosed indoor space, which brings with it mould that grows in warm environments (your living room or bedroom). It goes on to cause respiratory allergies.

The fact that Christmas trees stay in most houses for the better part of a month only heightens symptoms and increases your chances of catching the dreaded Christmas Tree Syndrome.  Here are some tips for preventing Christmas Tree Syndrome in both live and artificial Christmas trees.

In live trees:

·        Families with severe allergies should avoid purchasing a live tree, (or keep it in house for no more than seven days).

·        Live trees naturally carry microscopic mold spores that can trigger allergy symptoms. This can happen instantly, or within the first two weeks of putting up a live tree in your house.

·        Sit the tree stump in a bucket of water and let it dry outside for a few days to prevent mold from growing.

·        Spray off the tree and its branches with water before bringing it into your house to help remove pollen and mold. (You can also give it a good shake or a blast with a leaf blower).

·        Tree sap contains substances that can irritate skin and mucous membranes.

·        Wear gloves and long sleeves when bringing the tree indoors to avoid sap touching your skin.

In artificial tees:

·        Some of the materials used to make artificial trees can cause sinus irritation.

·        Store them properly, wrap the tree securely, store in a cool and dry place, and avoid storing in places that accumulate dust and dirt.

·        Use a small amount of spray snow to frost your windows. Any aerosolized chemical can irritate the eyes, nose, or lungs.

·        Wipe down ornaments.

·        Wipe down the tree before putting it up in your home

Allergy suggestions:

·        Use allergy drops for your eyes.

·        Use Hydrocortisone cream for  a rash (though you might need stronger treatment from a dermatologist)

·        Use long-lasting, non-drowsy antihistamines for sneezing or your runny nose.

·        Use nasal steroid sprays for your stuffy nose.

·        Use nasal washes to clear your sinuses and to soothe inflammation.

““If you are unsure if it’s a Christmas tree causing a reaction, we would recommend keeping a diary of your symptoms, monitoring when you are in contact or proximity of festive spruces.” (Brian Cox)[i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “Could you have ‘Christmas tree syndrome’?” by Anna Hunter0

·        “Could your cold really be the 'Christmas Tree Syndrome?'” by Joel Brown

·        “What is Christmas tree syndrome and is it making us all ill?” by Jenny Proudfoot

·        “What is Christmas tree syndrome?” by Kara Wada