CHRISTMAS ALLERGIES

During the holiday season many people experience an increase in their

allergic symptoms, often in these four areas:



     Skin allergy such as eczema and urticaria (hives)



     Rhinosinusitis, whcih is an inflammation in the nose and sinus 

     area.  This is often associated with dark circles and bags

     under the eyes.



     Sinus headaches and sinus infections



     Chronic cough, bronchitis, and asthma



Colds, flu, and bronchitis that occur year after year, at the same 

time of year, are often caused by allergy.

There are a number of reasons why allergy symptoms occur around the

holiday season.  After recognizing that the symptoms are due to

allergies, it is possible to take steps to decrease symptoms and have a

healthier and more fun holiday!

Christmas Decorations

Live Christmas trees and live garland give off a fresh woodsy odor to

which many people are allergic.  Commercially sold trees may also have

been sprayed to help them stay green.  This chemical spray may cause

respiratory symptoms.  Hosing down a live tree with water before

bringing it in may help.



Artificial trees and Christmas decorations are often dusty, and therefore

a source of house dust mites.  Artificial trees and decorations should be

dusted outside before decorating the tree.  Use a hand held hair dryer

set on cool.

After the tree has been decorated, a small room air filter can be used in

the vicinity of the tree to keep down the dust in the air.  A HEPA filter is

recommended.  Dust mite control sprays can often be used on trees

while they are on display.

Paper and newspaper should not be used for wrapping decorations.

They may harbor papers mites which can lead to allergy rashes the next

year when the decorations are unpacked.

Low Humidity

Many people develop respiratory problems because of low humidity

created by winter heating systems, especially forced air heat and wood

stoves.  Replace moisture in the air with a humidifier (which must be

maintained to prevent mold and bacteria growth), an inch of fresh water

in the sink and bath tubs, or a pot of water on the stove.  Drink more

water to prevent dry, scaly skin and to keep your nose, sinuses and

lungs from becoming so dry that you become susceptible to sinus

headaches and sinus and lung infections.  Caffeine and alcohol have a

diuretic affect and may actually remove water from your system.  Just

plain water is best.

Potpourri



Many people use potpourri during the holiday season.  This is a common

source of allergy symptoms.  Many people are sensitive to the floral

odors and allergic to the mold spores that may come from dried

vegetation in potpourri.



Solution:  A home made potpourri of cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla or

peppermint flavoring.  Avoid scented candles as these can also trigger

allergy symptoms and even an asthma attack.

Molds



Numerous individuals are allergic to tiny mold spores not only in 

potpourri and dried flowers, but also from leaf molds growing on recently

fallen, decaying leaves.



In damp, rainy weather the mold spore count is higher.  Many persons

with mold spore allergy will have worse symptoms just before and just

after a rain storm, when the mold spore count is particularly high.



Solution:  If you must rake leaves, wear a mask.  People whose eyes

itch when raking leaves may want to wear a pair of swimmers goggles to

protect their eyes from the allergy causing mold spores.

Wood Burning Stoves and Fireplaces



In addition to lowering humidity, wood burning stoves and fireplaces may

give off smoke that irritates the respiratory tract.



Solution:  Make certain there is adequate draft for the stove or fireplace.

The person with allergies should not be in the room if a fire is being built.



People allergic to molds may have an allergy attack when dried wood is

brought in that has mold in the bark.



Solution:  Put the wood directly into the fire.  Do not stack wood in the house.



Some persons allergic to tree pollen may also be allergic to the wood

and suffer symptoms when it is burned.



Solution:  The hard wood people are least likely to react to is oak.

Allergy Foods



People may eat many different foods during the holiday season than the

rest of the year.  Allergy to some of these may cause headaches,

rashes, and respiratory symptoms.



Some holiday foods may contain additives such as a type of chemicals

called sulfites which is used as a preservative.  Some examples are

alcoholic beverages, bottled or canned sauces, dips such as

guacamole or onion dip, dried fruit, and green vegetables.



Ingestion of sulfites in sensitive people can be dangerous.  Deaths have

even occurred from sensitivity to this food additive.  Luckily, due to

food labeling laws, now all prepared foods must be labeled if they

contain sulfites.  This may be written as sulfite, metasulfita, bisulfite, or

sulfur dioxide.



If you believe you have a sulfite sensitivity, read your labels carefully

during the holidays and all year long also.

Christmas Gifts



Animal Dander Allergy



How sad it is for a child to get a new puppy, kitty, rabbit, or guinea pig

for Christmas, only to learn soon after that the child is allergic to it.  Many

children have had their first asthma attack only shortly after receiving

such a precious gift.



Children who grow up with pets do appear to be happier and healthier

as adults, as long as they are not allergic to the pet.  If there is any

tendency in the family towards allergy, a fur bearing pet is best avoided.

At a minimum, an outdoor pet is better than an indoor pet.



In cold weather, as around holidays, cats and dogs that are normally

outside may be inside the home more.  Persons allergic to animals may

decrease their symptoms if the animal is kept in only a small area of the

home, preferably where there is no carpet.  Not allowing fur bearing

pets on furniture and in bedooms decreases allergy symptoms.



Both dogs and cats can be bathed at least monthly if they remain in

the house.  Yes, kitty can be bathed also.  Many people allergic to cats

are allergic to the saliva cats leave on their fur when they lick

themselves.  A recent study showed that cats that were bathed monthly

may stop producing the agent to which their masters are often allergic

within a few months of beginning regular bathing.



Children's Stuffed Animals and Fuzzy Toys



Avoid stuffed animals with real fur.  Stuffed animals may be filled with

dusty foam strips or moldy ground coconut shells which can cause

allergy symptoms.  All stuffed animals should be polyester filled and

washable.

Stress



The affect of stress on overall health is well known.  The immune

system is powerfully affected by stress.



Holiday stess from celebrations, over eating, alchohol consumption, and

interruption of normal sleep patterns can worsen allergy and asthma

symptoms.



Getting regular rest and slowing down on the pace of holiday

celebration promotes good health to help us enjoy the holiday season.



Best Wishes For The Holidays.



Linda Markley Livingston, M.D.