Christmas Allergies? You Bet! What To Do When You Discover Them
Posted on: 20 November 2017
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There are so many things at Christmas that your nose is not in contact with the rest of the year, so it comes as no surprise when some people discover for the very first time that they are allergic Christmas objects! Here are some of the most common allergies discovered at this time of year and how to address them when you discover that you have one or more of the following allergies.
Christmas Tree Allergy
Pine trees and balsams produce a type of pollen that can really get people's allergies going. If the Christmas trees were cut mid-pollination season, that stuff will shake loose in the house all over everything. If you are allergic to holiday tree decorations, boughs, wreaths, and/or holiday garland, find out which type of holiday tree is causing it. Then deal with it via an outdoor allergy medication (even though you are in the house!), and possibly buy a different variety of tree or fresh-cut greens.
Cranberry Allergy
Not too many people discover that they are allergic to cranberries, but considering the fact that you could be allergic to just about any fruit, it can happen. Most adults will already know if they are allergic to cranberries, so it is usually the children that need to be watched. If you encourage your children to try cranberries for the first time, and one or more of the kids has a reaction, you should take him/her to an ENT specialist, such as Mid America Ear, Nose, & Throat Clinic PC, as soon as possible. If that is not possible because the allergic reaction has occurred on a holiday, go to the E.R. to get immediate treatment.
Wool Allergy
Your family may think that they are doing you a favor when they buy you wool socks and a wool sweater to help you stay warm. However, natural animal fibers are almost always an allergen, and people find that wearing wool or angora clothing sets them off on a sneezing fit the likes of which you have never seen. If you don a sweater and immediately become congested, teary-eyed, and sneezy, take the sweater off and check the label.
If it says "100% wool," congrats! You are allergic to wool! Best hope that your family member included a gift receipt so that you can take that itchy, sneezy, weepy sweater back to the store. As for wool socks, they may not set off your upper respiratory allergies, but if they set your skin to itching like mad, take those off and return them too.