WE ALL dread the idea of being ill over the holidays, so you might be alarmed if you notice your nose running as you deck out your house for Christmas.
Coming down with a cold just as celebrations are kicking off is a pretty miserable prospect.
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While that might be the case – as everyone seems to have a cold or lurgy at this time of year – your streaming schnoz might be triggered by something other than a virus.
According to Dr Bhavini Shah, a GP from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, your festive decor could be the culprit.
“Whilst having a cold is synonymous with winter and it’s not unusual to be poorly at Christmas time, it may not be the common cold that’s causing your runny nose,” she said.
“A blocked or runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing and coughing could also be signs of allergies caused by your Christmas decorations.”
Read more on festive health
Dr Shah explained: “An allergy, which is an immune response, occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as harmful.
“The immune system then produces antibodies which fight the foreign cells by releasing chemical substances. It is these substances that trigger an allergic reaction.”
From your Christmas tree to dust mites released when bringing your baubles out of storage, the GP shared five reasons for your seasonal allergies.
1. ‘Christmas tree syndrome’
Many people look forward to the piney smell of real a Christmas tree filling their home.
But Dr Shah said this nostalgic fragrance might not have the best effect on some.
“’Christmas Tree Syndrome’ is a term used to describe allergic reactions or respiratory issues that some people experience when they’re around real Christmas trees,” she explained.
“The term refers to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, congestion, or even asthma flare-ups that can occur due to mould spores, pollen, or other allergens that may be present on the tree.”
If you have asthma, you might suffer a flare-up when you come in the vicinity of a tree, which causes your airways to constrict and can lead to difficulty breathing and wheezing.
“However, not everyone who experiences an allergic reaction around Christmas trees has asthma,” Dr Shah noted.
“Similarly, not everyone with asthma will experience an allergic reaction.”
2. Tree pollen
Yep, turns out pollen allergies are a thing outside of hay fever season.
Dr Shah said: “If you are allergic to pollen, you may experience hay fever, typically in the spring and summer months.
“However, Christmas trees can also contain pollen and therefore may trigger hay fever-like symptoms.
“If you are sensitive to pollen, or have asthma, it may be wise to buy an artificial Christmas tree instead of a live one.”
3. Dusty decorations
If you think about it, your Christmas baubles and tinsel only come out of your cupboard for about four weeks every year.
So there’s plenty of time for them to collect dust and grime for the remaining eleven months.
As Dr Shah put it: “Christmas decorations are stored away collecting dust for much of the year.
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“This means they can trigger allergies because dust often contains a mix of particles like pollen, mould spores and dust mites.
“When disturbed, such as when putting up the tree or decorating, the particles become airborne, potentially triggering allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.”
The GP advised wiping down your decorations with a damp cloth before you adorn your home and storing them in airtight containers or vacuum bags.
4. Dust mites
“It’s not just bringing dusty decorations out of storage that might trigger allergies,” the GP warned.
“With dust comes dust mites.”
These are “tiny harmless creatures”, according to Dr Shah, but “their waste particles contain proteins that can trigger allergic reactions in some people”.
“When individuals with dust mite allergies inhale these particles or come into contact with them, their immune system reacts by releasing histamine and other chemicals, leading to allergic reactions,” she explained.
“Common reactions include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, or skin rashes in more severe cases.”
5. Mould spores
Another allergen that could be lurking around your home at Christmas time are mould spores, which can trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes or more severe respiratory issues when inhaled.
As Dr Shah explained: “Mould spores can be present on Christmas trees, particularly live trees like pine, fir, or spruce.
“Trees are grown outdoors where they can pick up mould spores from the surrounding environment, especially in damp or humid areas.
Which cold and flu remedies actually work?
Sun Health reporter Isabel Shaw put nine well-known cold and flu remedies when she was struck with a lurgy.
Over the course of a week, she tried products targeted at all symptoms associated with cold and flu, as well as treatments that only aimed to get rid of specific issues.
These included:
- Hot honey and lemon
- Steam inhalation and Vicks Vaporub
- Echinacea
- Chicken soup
- A spicy curry
- Beechams All in One Oral Solution
- Strepsils
- Lemsip Max
- Sudafed Blocked Nose Spray
She took into account pain reduction, and how quickly and for how long they worked.
Read her full verdicts here
“When these trees are brought indoors and placed in a warm and dry environment, any existing spores can become airborne, potentially causing allergy symptoms.”
She advised opting for an artificial tree if real ones have triggered asthma or allergies in the past.
“If you do opt for a real one, you should shake down the tree to remove as much dust, mould, and pollen as possible before bringing it into the house,” the GP went on.
“Keeping it in the coolest part of the house will avoid any mould spores multiplying.”
5. Christmas scented candles
Burning a Christmas scented candle can be a cosy touch to the evening and make your house smell delicious.
But unfortunately, the chemicals and fragrances in some can trigger allergies or allergic reactions, Dr Shah warned.
The GP explained: “Many scented candles contain synthetic fragrances, dyes, and additives that release volatile organic compounds when burned.
“These chemicals can irritate the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or congestion.
“If you are particularly sensitive, it’s best to avoid candles or opt for unscented candles instead.”
Researchers recently warned that burning scented candles too often could increase your risk of heart disease and lung cancer.
