Mexico City. – Are you someone who starts decorating your home in December or someone who leaves it to the last minute?
Whenever a decoration is placed, Runny nose or itchy throat.
This in itself may not be surprising: As temperatures drop and people are stuck indoors, everyone seems to catch a cold this time of year.
However, experts at Lloyds Pharmacy Doctors Online say science may have another answer, which is that cold symptoms may not be caused by viruses and that Christmas decorations may be the culprit.
“ Although colds are synonymous with winter and feeling unwell at Christmas is common, it may not be the common cold that’s causing the runny nose,” they said.
“ “A stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, itchiness, sneezing and coughing may also be signs of allergies caused by Christmas decorations.”
Allergy, which is an immune responseWhen the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as harmful, it produces antibodies that release chemicals to fight foreign cells. It is these substances that trigger allergic reactions.
From Christmas trees to dust mites released when decorations are taken out of storage, experts share five causes of seasonal allergies.
1. Christmas tree syndrome
Many people look forward to the smell of pine from the Christmas tree filling their homes, however, this nostalgic scent may not work well for some.
“ ‘Christmas tree syndrome’ is a term used to describe the allergic reactions or breathing problems that some people experience when around real Christmas trees,” they explain.
The term refers to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, congestion, and even asthma attacks caused by mold spores, pollen, or other allergens that may be present on trees.
If you have asthma, you may have an attack when you are near trees, which causes the airways to constrict and may cause difficulty breathing and wheezing.
2. Christmas tree pollen
Yes, pollen allergies exist outside of hay fever season.
If you’re allergic to pollen, you may experience hay fever, typically in the spring and summer, but Christmas trees can also contain pollen, causing hay fever-like symptoms.
3. Dusty Christmas decorations
If you think about it, Christmas decorations are only out one month a year.
So, they have plenty of time to collect dust and dirt during the remaining eleven months.
Christmas decorations collect dust most of the year, which means they can cause allergies, as dust often contains a mixture of particles such as pollen, mold spores and mites.
GPs recommend wiping decorations with a damp cloth and storing them in airtight containers or vacuum bags before decorating the house.
4. Dust mites
It’s not just taking dusty decorations out of storage that can trigger allergies, as dust can bring in mites.
They are “tiny, harmless organisms” but “their waste particles contain proteins that may trigger allergic reactions in some people.”
“ When people allergic to dust mites inhale these particles or are exposed to them, their immune systems react by releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic reactions,” they explain.
The most common reactions include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, or in more severe cases, a rash.
5. Mold Spores
Another allergen that may be lurking around your home over Christmas is mold spores, which when inhaled can trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes or more serious respiratory problems.
“ Mold spores can be present on Christmas trees, especially live trees such as pine, fir, or spruce. Trees grow outdoors, and they can absorb mold spores from the environment, especially in humid areas.
When these trees are brought indoors and placed in a warm, dry environment, existing spores can become airborne and cause allergy symptoms.
5. Christmas candles
Burning Christmas scented candles can add a cozy touch to the evening and make the house smell wonderful.
But unfortunately, certain chemicals and fragrances can trigger allergies or allergic reactions.
“ “Many scented candles contain synthetic fragrances, dyes and additives that release volatile organic compounds when burned.”
Experts recommend that people pay close attention to all possible triggers of winter allergies this holiday season so they can deal with them appropriately.