Don't allow allergies to become a Christmas tradition

[Guest guest]

http://www2.townonline.com/wilmington/artsLifestyle/view.bg?

articleid=146362

Don't allow allergies to become a Christmas tradition

Thursday, December 16, 2004

Trees, cookies, cold can cause holiday reaction

For allergy sufferers, winter can present health challenges.

Having indoor Christmas trees with decorations, easy availability of

cookies and treats, in addition to the cold weather, can make it

harder to cope with allergies.

Winchester Hospital allergist Dr. Vandana Krishna suggests

simple preventive measures to make it easier for allergy sufferers

and their families to enjoy the season.

Christmas tree concerns

If you celebrate the holidays with the traditional Christmas

tree, you may want to take some precautions to prevent allergic and

related reactions.

People may think they are allergic to their Christmas tree, but

the truth is evergreen pollens are only rare causes of allergic

symptoms. They often carry microscopic mold spores that reproduce

when brought indoors or transport contaminating pollens such as

ragweed. It is these mold spores and contaminating pollen that cause

symptoms in the allergic individual.

Artificial trees are a potential source of mold and dust caused

by improper storage.

To remove pollens from your real tree, allow your tree to dry

on an enclosed porch or garage before bringing it indoors, while

keeping the trunk in a bucket of water so it doesn't die. You also

may want to use a leaf blower - in a well-ventilated area away from

the house - or wash with a water hose to remove visible pollen

grains. Some tree retailers provide a shaking machine, which will

physically remove some allergens from the tree.

You can wipe the trunk and branches thoroughly with a solution

of lukewarm water and diluted bleach -one part bleach to 20 parts

water - to eliminate any mold. In rare cases, the tree sap also may

cause a contact allergic rash and can be avoided by wearing gloves.

Place the tree on wood or vinyl flooring that can be easily cleaned

or consider using throw rugs at the base of the tree, which can be

washed later in hot water.

Artificial trees, ornaments and lights stored in the basement

or attic can become coated with dust. In a well-ventilated area,

clean and dry all decorations prior to hanging them on the tree and

again before storing it in sealed plastic bags or containers for the

next season. Consider wearing a tight dust mask over your nose, if

you are sensitive to dust. Using a wet mop to remove the dust is

more effective than a dry duster, which only tends to redistribute

the dust.

Keep warm

The cold can be bothersome for those with reactive airway

disease or asthma. Wearing a scarf or muffler over the face warms

and humidifies the dry winter winds before they enter the lungs, in

addition to keeping you warm. A recurrent dry cough in the cold

weather can be a sign of reactive airways.

Beware of pet allergies

Before you get a pet as a gift for your child, have them spend

time with someone else's dog or cat to determine if they are

allergic. They can also be tested, if appropriate, to the specific

pet. You may also consider getting a pet such as a turtle, hermit

crab, fish, snake, or other animals without fur or feathers.

Make smart food choices

For those with food allergies, the chance of accidental

ingestion of allergenic foods increases due to the abundant

availability of food during the holiday season. Those with food

allergies should exercise extra caution since even a small amount of

the offending food can trigger a potentially dangerous allergic

reaction.

Avoid insects and roaches by keeping food in tight-lidded

containers. Vacuum and sweep the floor after meals, and take out

garbage and recyclables frequently. Use lidded garbage containers

and wash dishes immediately after use in hot, soapy water. A protein

in roach droppings can be a primary trigger of allergy and asthma

symptoms.

Editor's note: Information from the American Academy of Asthma,

Allergy and Immunology contributed to this report.