Allergy-Proof Your Holidays

Hunting for gifts, stocking up for that holiday dinner, dreading the malls. Yes, it's holiday time. A lot is on your mind, but despite the furious flurry, one thing you should keep at the top of your to-do list is minding your allergies.

It may be a nuisance, but if you want to enjoy the holiday bounty, you need to do your best to stop allergic reactions and even asthma triggers.

Here are some tips to help keep your holiday season healthy and happy.

Allergies

• If you get a live Christmas tree, stash it in the garage or an enclosed porch for a few days until it has had a chance to dry out. Wipe the trunk thoroughly with a mixture of warm water and a little bit of bleach to kill any mold. Some trees continue to pollinate even in winter, so look for a yellowish tinge. Take the tree outside and use a leaf blower to remove any pollen.
• Clean any artificial trees before you decorate because they could harbor mold and dust. Also, don't buy trees with artificial snow.
• Wash fabric decorations in hot, soapy water before displaying. When you finish with them at the end of the season, seal them in a plastic bag and in an airtight container before storing.
• Use plastic, metal or glass decorations that cannot trap dust mites.
• When spraying artificial snow on windows or other surfaces, follow the directions. These sprays can irritate your lungs.
• If you are visiting relatives or friends, be sure to take your medications before you go.
• Heating vents can blow dust throughout your home. Use high efficiency furnace filters, which are 30 times more effective at collecting pet dander and other allergens. Replace filters every two to three months.
• Don't store firewood in your home because it could contain mold.
• If you use a fireplace, make sure the chimney is clean and working properly. Keep the doors closed to reduce as much smoke as possible.
• If you have to stay at a motel or a relative's home, take your own pillow encased in an allergen-proof cover.

Food allergies

• At parties, tell the host about any food allergies you may have and ask about the ingredients used for the meal. Also remind other's about your child's food allergy - strict avoidance is the best defense.
• Carry self-injectable epinephrine in case you accidentally eat a food to which you are allergic. Homemade items can be contaminated with trace amounts of allergenic foods through contact with storage containers, baking sheets, kitchen surfaces and utensils.

Asthma

• The holidays can be very stressful and frantic. Pay attention to your stress level, which can sometimes lead to an asthma attack.
• The cold air can also worsen asthma. Wear a scarf over your face to help humidify the air.

Sources:

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

The American Lung Association

Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.