At this time of year our homes are full of festive decorations – not just Christmas trees but plants such as mistletoe and poinsettias.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, these delicate decorations could be having an impact on your health, and not for the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While Christmas trees and festive plants will no doubt bring festive cheer to your home, they could also bring a trigger of allergy-style symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Often mistaken for a stubborn winter cold, these reactions could be caused by your festive greenery. <\/p>
This is the term used to describe an allergic reaction triggered by exposure to real Christmas trees, or similar plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can cause symptoms which are commonly associated with colds or hay fever including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The condition happens because real Christmas trees and similar plants naturally release terpenes (aromatic chemicals responsible for their distinctive festive smell). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When a tree is brought into a warm indoor environment, these compounds are released more intensely into the air. <\/p>
This can irritate the airways in sensitive individuals and trigger symptoms similar to those caused by seasonal allergies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having direct contact with the tree could also irritate the skin, particularly in people who already have allergies or conditions including asthma, eczema or hay fever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Tina Ghela, practising GP and Medichecks Digital Clinician explains: \u201cWhen real Christmas trees are brought indoors, terpenes are released in much higher concentrations than they would be outdoors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This can irritate the airways, eyes and skin, especially in people who already have asthma or allergies.\u201d <\/p>
“These symptoms often closely mimic a cold or flu, but in reality, it\u2019s not an infection at all. It’s your immune system reacting to airborne particles released by the tree.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Christmas trees aren’t the only festive culprits for causing this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other seasonal plants including mistletoe, holly and poinsettias can contribute to allergy symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These plants may carry pollen and mould spores on their leaves and in their soil. <\/p>
When kept in warm, enclosed spaces, these allergens can circulate through the air, creating a little indoor version of hay fever season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“For people with hay fever, mould allergies, asthma or eczema, this can trigger familiar symptoms such as sneezing, blocked sinuses, watery eyes and breathing difficulties.” adds Dr Ghela. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Switching to an artificial Christmas tree can help some people to manage their symptoms, but its not always a perfect solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Artificial trees that have been stored away for months can gather dust and mould, which can also trigger allergic reactions when they’re brought back out and set up indoors. <\/p>
If you want to reduce your risk of Christmas tree syndrome, there are some simple steps you can take to minimise your risk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Ghela explains: “Good ventilation and clean storage can make a real difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“These small steps can help people enjoy their decorations without triggering unnecessary symptoms.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re struggling with allergy symptoms this festive season, Medichecks offers two tests that can help you to pinpoint what might be triggering them. The Allergy Screen (Inhalants and Foods) Blood Test<\/a> is Medichecks’ most comprehensive allergy test offering. It checks 42 common allergens including mixes for trees, moulds, dust and grasses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n READ MORE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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