Holiday Allergies

Indoor Allergies – ‘Tis the Season

As the winter holiday season approaches, people tend to spend more time indoors. Often, the sniffles, sneezing and tearing eyes are attributed to colds and respiratory infections. Clifford Bassett, M.D., Allergist with NYU School of Medicine in New York City, says, in some cases, allergies may be the real cause of the symptoms.

An allergy is an inappropriate reaction to a normally harmless substance (called an allergen). The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology estimates as many as 40 to 50 million Americans have allergies. Some of the most common causes of indoor allergies are dust, mold, animal dander and cockroach droppings.

The level of indoor allergens may increase as displays of holiday decorations go up. A live tree or greens may contain mold, pollen or chemical residues from the grower. Some people are allergic to the tree sap. Artificial trees and greens aren’t necessarily better because they often are laden with dust particles. No matter whether you have a live or artificial tree, the ornaments, themselves, can also be dust collectors.

For people with allergies and asthma, the scent of room fresheners, candles and potpourri can be overwhelming. The pretty fire burning in the fireplace can also release irritants into the air. Even perfumes and colognes can trigger an allergy or asthma attack in people who are sensitive to the scents.

Holiday Food Allergies

Food allergies are another concern among some people during the holiday season. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network estimates more than 12 million Americans have some type of food allergy. The most common food triggers are milk, fish, shellfish, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and soy.

For most people with a food allergy, symptoms are triggered within minutes to hours after eating the offending food. Often, only a small or trace amount of the food is needed to cause a reaction. Signs can include: an itchy or swollen tongue and throat, trouble breathing, hives, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, decrease in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, contact with a food allergen can lead to death (anaphylaxis). The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases estimates about 30,000 episodes of food-associated anaphylaxis occur annually in the U.S. Up to 200 people die from the reaction.

Tips for Making “The Season Bright”

Bassett says people who suspect they have an allergy should see a physician before the holidays to get tested. If an allergy is confirmed, there’s a three-pronged approach to treatment: modification of the environment (removing or avoiding potential triggers), allergy medications (over-the-counter or prescription) and allergy shots.

Here are some tips to reduce some of the common indoor allergy triggers during the holiday season:

• Reducing dust levels. A dust allergy is really a reaction to dust mites, microscopic insects found throughout the home. Vacuum regularly. Lightly brush or wipe glass, plastic and metal ornaments. Avoid using fabric or cloth ornaments because they can’t be thoroughly cleaned. Keep the tree and ornaments in sealed boxes during the off-season so they don’t accumulate dust while in storage. • Controlling mold spores. Live trees can harbor mold that releases spores into the air. If you are able, wash the tree and let it dry before bringing it indoors. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America also recommends using a very mild bleach solution (one part bleach to 20 parts warm water) to rinse the trunk and kill off any mold growth. Mold thrives in dampness. If humidity levels are high inside the home, consider using a dehumidifier to keep mold growth down. • Make sense of scents. Even people who aren’t allergic to scents sometimes have a hard time being in rooms where the smells are overwhelming. If you’re looking for glowing ambience, consider using unscented candles. Some battery-operated candles are very realistic. Bassett says there is some evidence that soy candles may be safer and healthier than traditional wax candles. Go easy on air fresheners, potpourri and other types of room fragrances. • Watch the fire. Many people love to sit around a fire in a wood stove or fireplace. But smoke from those glowing embers can be very irritating to the eyes and respiratory passages. Make sure chimneys are clean and vents are open and free of clogs. Use fireplace doors instead of a screen to keep the smoke moving up the chimney instead of into the room.

Food allergens are much trickier to avoid. Often the allergens are hidden in food. Sometimes food that doesn’t have an allergen is cross-contaminated when pans, utensils and plates are shared. Here are some tips for reducing the risk for a food allergy reaction:

• Read the package information. Food labels list ingredients and often provide a warning if a product contains a common food allergen (like nuts). • Plan ahead. Let your host know ahead of time the foods you can’t eat. If that’s not possible, ask if any of the foods being served contain ingredients you need to avoid. The same is true at restaurants. Many food establishments are able to accommodate dietary requests if you give them ample notice. • Offer to bring food to share at a party. If you prepare the food, you’ll know it’s free of potential allergens. Don’t be afraid to turn down foods that may not be safe for you to eat. • Be prepared for accidental exposure. No matter how careful you are, you may still unknowingly eat something that causes a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. Carry an epinephrine injection kit (a treatment for anaphylaxis, like the EpiPen®). The treatment will not completely stop the allergic reaction, but will buy some time for you to get to the hospital.

For general information on allergies:

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and ImmunologyAsthma and Allergy Foundation of AmericaFood Allergy and Anaphylaxis NetworkNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases