'Tis the Season for Allergies

Holidays Can Aggravate Seasonal Allergies

Chestnuts roasting by the open fire may be a beloved holiday tradition and reflected in popular songs, but for kids with allergies the wood-burning fire can aggravate seasonal allergies and make the experience less-than-memorable. The same holds true for decorations on display that have been stored in an attic, fresh-cut trees and pine decorations, artificial trees, and candles. If your child, kids in your care, or anyone you know has seasonal allergies, here are tips to keep in mind to minimize sneezing, coughing, choking up, runny nose, itchy eyes and other common seasonal allergy symptoms.

• Air out fresh-cut trees and greenery before bringing them indoors. If a child is allergic to pine or evergreen, consider an artificial alternative, or the holidays can become miserable. If your child is not allergic to evergreen but has allergies or asthma in general, consider leaving the greenery on your back patio or in your garage for a few days to reduce mold. Depending on the greenery purchased, consider hosing it down (rinsing) to help eliminate any critters, mold or other allergy triggers.



• If using an artificial tree, clean it each year outdoors (so as not to defeat the purpose of spreading dust and pollens) before bringing it inside. If possible, open up the box or bag it is stored in outdoors, clean it, let it sit, and then bring it in for decorating.



• Clean out your wood-burning fireplace regularly and have it inspected and maintained frequently. An improperly-circulated fireplace can permeate the odor of the wood and burning throughout your home, which can cause issues for those with allergies. Consider hiring a chimney sweep if possible for a thorough clean-out every year or two. Inspect your wood before it is brought into the house and make sure it is free from mold, fungus, bugs, and anything else you don't want to breathe or have brought inside your home. For kids with severe asthma or allergies, consider using gas logs to obtain that cheery glow and winter warmth.



• Stored decorations can accumulate dust and mold, especially if stored in the attic or damp basement. If possible, wipe down, wash or wipe ornaments and decorations before displaying, and again, do this outside or where the dust you wipe off won't end up in the air supply indoors. One mom uses Febreze on all her ornaments and decorations; another "air dries" her wreathes and other large items on a clothesline before bringing inside.



• Show consideration when burning candles, incense, potpourri or other types of items touted as holiday "smell-goods." Even plug-in air fresheners, gelatin-type non-burning candles, and similar products can cause allergic reactions or aggravate symptoms in sensitive individuals. While in-home providers and day care operators typically would never burn candles when caring for children due to safety reasons, they may not think about the particles that can be released in the air on any of these items and literally make kids sick.



• Keep a careful watch on kids for allergy symptoms during the holidays, and if noted, try and track down sources. One child was found to be highly allergic to wax-dipped scented pine cones that was used as a decorative item near the fireplace. After being chronically sick with a runny nose and sore throat for the past two holiday seasons, a 4-year-old boy's parents determined what was causing the symptoms: a basket filled with cinnamon-scented, wax-dipped pinecones. They ditched the decoration and the seasonal allergy symptoms cleared up within days. Really sensitive kids can even react to air fresheners that are sprayed to provide a festive environment. The key is to be on notice that certain smells and items can trigger seasonal allergies and may have to be avoided. In the end, every parent's goal is for a healthy and happy holiday season.
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