About Allergies: Holiday Allergies

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies Now that Thanksgiving has past, most of us are thinking about the next Holiday later this month. For those celebrating Christmas, consider that many traditions may worsen your underlying allergies and asthma. From Christmas tree allergy to holiday odors and scents, the Holidays can give you more than you bargained for -- worsening allergy symptoms. But don't despair -- a few tips will help your allergies get through the holidays with minimal discomfort -- so you can enjoy what's really important this festive season. Christmas Tree Allergy Think your allergies and asthma get worse once you bring that fresh pine tree indoors during the holidays? It may be more than just your imagination. People for years have suspected that along with that fresh pine scent, an indoor freshly-cut Christmas tree worsened allergy symptoms, but the reason wasn't completely clear. The problem is likely due to mold allergy. Researchers in Connecticut found that after 2 weeks of being indoors, a live Christmas tree emitted significant amounts of mold spores into the air. People who suffer from mold allergies may want to limit the amount of time a Christmas tree is kept indoors (such as less than 2 weeks), or consider using an artificial tree. Search Related Topics:  allergies  allergist  allergy testing Allergy to Holiday Scents People who experience nasal symptoms after being exposed to strong odors, weather and temperature changes, and cigarette smoke have vasomotor rhinitis, a form of non-allergic rhinitis. People with vasomotor rhinitis are often treated as if they have allergies, but their symptoms don't get better with typical allergy medications, such as antihistamines. Treatment of vasomotor rhinitis includes the use of a variety of prescription nasal sprays, the cautious use of oral decongestants (such as Sudafed), as well as the use of nasal saline irrigation. Search Related Topics:  perfume allergy  non-allergic rhinitis  bbq smoke allergy Mold Season and the Holidays In colder climates, molds can be found in the outdoor air starting in the late winter, and peaking in the late summer to early fall months (July to October). In warmer climates, mold spores may be found throughout the year, with the highest levels found in the late summer to early fall months. While indoor molds can occur year round and are dependent on moisture levels in the home, indoor mold levels are higher when outdoor mold levels are higher. Therefore, a common source of indoor mold is from the outside environment, although can also be from indoor mold contamination. Search Related Topics:  allergy testing  allergy shots  allergic rhinitis treatment Related Searches Food Allergies Allergies Treatment Sinus Allergies Allergies and Skin Mold Allergies Featured Articles Nose and Eye Allergies Skin Allergies Asthma and Lung Allergies Common Allergy Issues in Children Food Allergies Allergies in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding   More from About.com The Perfect Engagement Ring How to find a gorgeous ring with a style and price that suit your needs. Read more...> Hometown Holidays Discover the best holiday events near your hometown. Read more...> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2012 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies   Follow me on: Advertisement