Are you someone who starts decorating your home in December or someone who leaves it to the last minute?
Whenever decorations are placed, there is a chance that a runny nose or itchy throat may begin.
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This in itself may not be surprising: As temperatures drop and people are stuck indoors, This time of year, everyone seems to have a cold.
However, science may have another answer, which is Cold symptoms may not be caused by virus as Christmas decorations may be culpritLloyds Pharmacy Doctor Online Expert Says.
They said: “While colds are synonymous with winter and feeling unwell at Christmas is common, it’s probably not the common cold that’s causing the runny nose.”
“A stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, itchiness, sneezing and coughing may also be signs of allergies caused by Christmas decorations.”
Allergies, an immune response, occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as a harmful substance., the immune system then produces antibodies that fight the foreign cells by releasing chemicals. It is these substances that trigger allergic reactions.
from Christmas tree Experts share five causes of seasonal allergies in response to dust mites that are released when decorations are taken out of storage.
1. Christmas tree syndrome
Many people are waiting eagerly for The Christmas tree smells like pine Yet fill your house, This nostalgic scent may not have the best effect on some people.
“‘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. This can be caused by mold spores, pollen, or other allergens on the tree.
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 are allergic to pollen, you may develop hay fever, which usually occurs in spring and summer.Christmas trees may also contain pollen, which can cause 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; this means Can cause allergiesbecause dust often contains a mixture of particles such as pollen, mold spores, and mites.
GP advises wiping down decorations with damp cloth before decorating home And store them in an airtight container or vacuum bag.
4. Dust mites
It’s not just taking dusty decorations out of storage that can trigger allergies; Mites come with dust.
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, and itchy or watery eyes.In the most severe cases, coughing, wheezing, or rash may occur.
5. Mold Spores
Another allergen that may be lurking around your home over Christmas is mold spores.Inhalation can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes or more serious breathing problems.
“Mold spores can be present on Christmas trees, especially live trees such as pine, fir, or spruce; these 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 become airborne. and cause allergic symptoms.
5. Christmas candles
Burning Christmas scented candles can add a cozy touch to the evening and make the house smell wonderful.
But unfortunately, Some chemicals and fragrances can trigger allergies or allergic reactions.
You can also read:
“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.
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