It’s back. My Christmas cough.
I thought my runny nose and lingering cough were triggered by the scented candles I burn throughout the winter, usually starting around Christmastime. That may be true, but here’s another possible cause of my not-sick, just annoying symptoms: my Christmas tree. That’s the word from a Cleveland Clinic allergist.
Since real and artificial trees can carry things like dust and mold, the cause might be standing in the corner of your living rooms.
“When people bring a real or artificial tree into their home and notice some worsening of their allergy symptoms, this can sometimes be referred to as Christmas tree syndrome,” explains DeVon Preston, MD, an allergist with Cleveland Clinic.
Although being allergic to pine trees is relatively uncommon, there could be other allergens lurking. Dr. Preston says real trees can have weed pollen and mold. Even taking in the comforting pine smell can irritate your sinuses and lungs because of the chemical compounds present.
If your family goes the artificial route, Dr. Preston says allergens like dust and mold can build up on the tree in storage. If the tree’s already up and you’re noticing your allergies worsen, getting an air purifier as well as traditional allergy medicines can help.
“For symptom management, things like over-the-counter nasal steroids, nasal antihistamines or oral antihistamines can help with some of those symptoms,” Dr. Preston says.
He adds it’s probably best to get rid of real trees soon after the holiday since mold can continue to grow on them, even once they’re indoors. Artificial trees and other holiday decorations should be stored in airtight containers to help keep them free of dust and mold.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
