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5 signs your Christmas tree could be making you sick – and when to see your GP

5 signs your Christmas tree could be making you sick – and when to see your GP

It’s not really Christmas until the tree is put up.

But for some, welcoming the return of their festive foliage could also invite a host of irritating – and potentially dangerous – things. symptoms.

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Christmas tree syndrome‘ is the nickname given to a allergic reaction to a Christmas tree.

Like all allergies, five symptoms can result:

  • Cough
  • Sneezing
  • Wheezing
  • Congested nose
  • Runny nose

Terpenes, the compounds that give Christmas trees their scent, can be one of the causes of an allergic reaction if touched or inhaled.

Learn more about winter health

But symptoms can also be triggered by mold or dust and can pose a particular danger to people with asthma.

Dr Andrew Whittamore, clinical lead at the charity Asthma + Lung UK and a practitioner General practitionerwarned: “This can cause inflammation and constriction of the airways, potentially leading to a flare-up of symptoms, such as shortness of breath, and causing a life-threatening asthma attack.”

Christmas tree syndrome can occur with real and artificial trees for different reasons.

“Real trees can carry many types of mold, which can increase the levels of mold spores in your home,” the doctor explained.

Other seasonal plants Like mistletoe, it can also bring mold spores and pollen into your home.

And in a warm house, these spores can multiply.

People with asthma urged to check the color of their phlegm – when to see your doctor, revealed

If you are sensitive to mold and pollen, you may notice symptoms similar to hay fever and your asthma symptoms can get worse.

In a recent survey, Asthma + Lung UK found that 34 percent of people with asthma people surveyed said they were triggered by mold and fungus.

Artificial trees are also not completely safe, as dust and mold accumulated during storage could also cause an allergic reaction.

And 55 percent of asthmatics surveyed said dust was a trigger for them.

Dr Whittamore said: “It’s important that people with asthma protect themselves so they can stay healthy over the festive period by ensuring they take their medication correctly and staying away from triggers as much as possible. possible.

Winter is a difficult time for people with lung diseases such as cold and damp weather report and an increase in viruses also increases airway inflammation and respiratory symptoms.

How to avoid Christmas tree syndrome

Dr Natasha Fernando, practitioner General practitioner and medical director of the home blood testing service Medical checkssaid there are things you can do to avoid Christmas tree syndrome.

When it’s natural Christmas trees are kept in a warm house, they provide the ideal place for mold to grow.

So Dr. Fernando said if you have asthma and know that mold irritates you, it might be time to upgrade to an artificial tree.

Packing your tree in an airtight bag will reduce the amount of dust that can accumulate until the following year.

Dr Natasha FernandoGeneral practitioner

But she added: “Artificial trees are perfect carriers for dust.

“If you know that dust also triggers your asthma, it can be dangerous if it causes an attack.

“If you have a natural tree, spraying it with a hose before bringing it into the home will eliminate mold spores and hopefully reduce the growth rate.

“Just make sure the tree is completely dry before dressing it with Christmas lights.

“An air humidifier is also a good option to keep the room ventilated and eliminate mold particles.”

If you’ve chosen an artificial tree, vacuuming or wiping it down before decorating can also help remove dust particles and hopefully reduce irritation.

She added: “Packing your tree in an airtight bag will reduce the amount of dust that can accumulate before following year, so you have more time to concentrate on your decoration placements.

Who is affected by asthma and what are the signs?

Asthma affects people of all ages and often begins in childhood, although it may first develop in adults.

The main symptoms are:

  • a whistling sound when breathing (wheezing)
  • shortness of breath
  • a tight chest, which may feel like a band is tightening around it
  • cough

When these symptoms worsen, it is called an asthma attack.

You should see a GP if you think you or your child may have asthma.

Several other conditions can also cause these symptoms, so it is important to get examined to find the root cause.

Christmas tree syndrome is the nickname given to an allergic reaction to a Christmas tree.

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Christmas tree syndrome is the nickname given to an allergic reaction to a Christmas tree.Credit: Getty