East Central Texas News

• More than 40 million Americans suffer from allergies. 
• Christmas decorations such as trees, wreaths, and ornaments can collect dust and mold. 
• Holiday decorations that are pine-scented can provoke allergy and asthma symptoms.

The holiday season can be an especially difficult time for allergy sufferers, as travel, stress, and even Christmas decorations can lead to worse allergic reactions. According to Dr. Monty Trimble of Dallas Breathe Free, different environmental factors can contribute to allergies.  

“Allergies cause mucosal inflammation and swelling, which also causes the lining of the nose to be more susceptible to infection and become a viral infection,” Dr. Trimble told the East Central Texas News. “Allergens will set the stage for people getting sick, but they also over time, will cause enlargement of the nasal lining and that can also lead to obstruction of the openings of the sinuses and also lead to inflammation within the sinuses themselves. One thing that we have in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that seems to be as bad as any place I've lived is nonallergic irritants or pollutants which definitely potentiate the effects of allergens by breaking down the lining of the nose. This is why we have so many people that move here that, and six months later are coming in with nasal and sinus problems.”

According to WebMD, experts recommend choosing an artificial tree for the holiday season rather than a live one, as live Christmas trees could have mold or chemicals on them. Additionally, it’s recommended to wash ornaments before decorating, choose non-fabric ornaments, and store firewood outdoors until it's ready to be used.

The pine scent of organic Christmas trees and other decorations can also trigger allergy and asthma symptoms, according to Good RX. A chemical called terpene, which is in the sap of pine trees, can be irritating to the eyes, nose, and skin. Trees that are decorated with “flocking,” or fake snow, can also set off allergy and asthma symptoms because the flocking releases small particles into the air.

Another cause of allergy triggers during the holiday season is droppings from pests such as mice, cockroaches, and spiders, according to Good RX. Those pests like to nest in dark, damp locations such as basements and garages and often find decoration bins to be good hiding places because they aren't moved often. Droppings from those pests can set off allergy symptoms.

A lot of traveling, stress, and inconsistent usage of medications during the holiday season can also lead to worsened allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Stress in particular can lead to asthma attacks.

According to Dallas Breathe Free's website, Dr. Monty Trimble is certified in otolaryngology. He earned his bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Texas A&M University and completed his medical education at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Dr. Trimble then completed his residency in otolaryngology at the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics.