A Complete Guide to Dealing with Winter Allergies Over the Holidays

Every season of the year brings relief to certain allergy sufferers while bringing the worst to other allergy sufferers. Winter is a great example. With autumn behind us, many people are not experiencing the triggers they have been for months – but some people are just starting to feel the beginning of their winter allergies.

The most common winter allergies are caused by indoor toxins and pollutants. In fact, many people who suffer from allergies only in the winter are actually reacting to something within their homes. When the holidays come around, there are many added allergy triggers in many homes. Read on to learn how to deal with your allergies in these trying conditions. If you have not yet had allergy testing done, contact Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500 to schedule an appointment.

Holiday decorations could have allergy triggers in them

Do you have a Christmas tree in your home? If you do, know that it could be a huge cause of your allergies. This is not because of the tree itself but because trees can easily become home to mold spores that result in allergic reactions. Some people also respond to the sap from their Christmas tree.

If you do not want an artificial tree, then you will need to take steps to ensure your tree is safe to bring indoors. We recommend putting the tree in an enclosed place for a week and then shaking it out before bringing it indoors. This can get rid of allergens that would otherwise bother you but be careful with other decorations like wreaths as well.

How to handle the holidays when you have food allergies

No matter what time of year it is, a person with a food allergy is likely to have their guard up at all times. This is even more true around the holidays. With so many family gatherings, work parties, and other get togethers, it is unlikely that you can convince every host to cater to your specific allergy needs.

Even if they do, remember that cross-contamination (such as cutting a nut with a knife and then using that same knife to cut vegetables that would otherwise be safe for a person with a nut allergy) is always a possibility. This is why we always suggest that you bring your own food that you know is safe.

Simple steps to take to weaken allergies this winter

There are many other simple steps you can take, such as washing your bedding on a weekly basis, washing clothes frequently, keeping your pets clean, and vacuuming once a week. Keeping humidity levels at or below 50% will help lower dust levels, and taking a shower before bed prevents you from bringing allergens into bed.

If you have not yet been diagnosed but believe you have allergies then we strongly suggest you have yourself tested. There are treatment options that could help you live your life in a more comfortable way. Contact Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500 for information on the latest allergy treatment options.