Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America for asthma and allergy symptoms

Take a Break from Asthma and Allergies During the Holidays

It’s a festive season filled with homemade goods, wines and decorations. For people who celebrate Christmas, indoor trees and cinnamon-scented candles can trigger allergies and asthma. The holiday time can be a magical time filled with festivities or it can be just plain miserable if you’re not prepared.

The good news is you can manage a breakout by knowing what to avoid. There are 8 food groups that cause 90 percent of allergic reactions. They include peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.), fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, soy, and wheat. For some people, food additives such as aspartame or sulfites, or genetically modified produce can also cause allergies.

When you’re at a holiday party it may be very embarrassing to ask the hostess or server what ingredients are in each dish. Do some research and call the restaurant, hostess, or company and find out if there are nuts, either whole or used in a filling. Your safest bet is to stay away from foods and gift baskets filled with meats, cheeses, exotic fruits, nuts and chocolates.

A glass of wine may leave some people in good cheer and others suffering from headaches, sinuses and hives. Asthmatics may be more sensitive to tannic acids and other histamine type compounds from grapes skins. So before you toast, here are some helpful tips: Do not drink any wine you can’t see through. Read wine labels and avoid wine fermented in new oak barrels or aged for over 12 months. And remember to always drink plenty of water.

When it comes to Christmas trees, people with asthma and allergies can still enjoy the glitter without the gloom. Mold can be a trigger on trees. One recommendation is use an artificial tree. If you must have a cut tree, try to shake it out and then dry it out for a week or so before you bring it indoors. Some tree retailers have a shaking machine that can help rid your tree of mold. You would also want to shake and dry out live wreaths and greenery you might use for decorating.

Remember to always have your medicines with you wherever you are. And let the person you’re visiting know what you are allergic to, so you can have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

The information provided is for reference only and should not substitute for professional medical care.