When you start sneezing, runny nose, coughing or itching in your home, it’s natural to wonder what’s behind the sudden rush of symptoms. You might initially blame excess dust or pet dander, but the holidays bring one more possible culprit: your Christmas tree.
The Ins and Outs of Christmas Tree Syndrome
Christmas tree syndrome is the term we use for the allergic reaction people have to certain allergens in Christmas trees. While you might jump to assume your tree is releasing buckets of pollen, that isn’t usually the cause. In most cases, what people are really reacting to is the presence of mold.
Why is My Tree Moldy?
A 2011 SUNY, backed up by an earlier 2007 study, found that Christmas trees could carry as many as 50 types of mold, two-thirds of which could cause the hay fever-like allergy symptoms you’re experiencing. Mold grows in damp, warm conditions. There are a few different times when your tree could have picked up mold:
- Your tree developed mold as the seasons shifted in temperature while growing up
- Other trees at the tree farms could have spread mold to your tree
- When you brought your damp tree home from Trees for Tuition, the new warmer temperature encouraged mold growth
Allergy symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have to forego your festive decorations. Instead, try reducing your exposure to the mold and managing your allergy symptoms with medication.
Reducing Exposure to Christmas Tree Mold
Keep the following tips in mind to reduce mold exposure:
- Ask the Christmas tree farm to shake your tree before you bring it home
- Wear gloves, long sleeves and a mask when handling and decorating your tree
- Wipe down the trunk and exposed branches with a mild water and vinegar solution
- Run an air purifier near the tree
- Run a dehumidifier in your home to reduce moisture buildup
- Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans daily to lower overall home humidity
- Clean up the needles around your tree daily
If you notice symptoms starting to pop up, take an antihistamine allergy medication. An antihistamine lotion is best if you develop a skin rash.
For more information on managing your mold allergies this winter, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at ENT of Georgia North today.
