'Tis the Season For Allergy, Asthma

'Tis the Season For Allergy, Asthma
SATURDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) -- It's easy for the holidaysto become the season of sneezing, congestion and other woes for peoplewith food or other allergies and asthma, say experts at the AmericanAcademy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).
But some preventive measures can cut symptoms to a minimum, theysay.
"Whether it's feasting on holiday meals, setting up your Christmastree, or visiting your pet-owning relatives, allergy triggers may belurking inside of our warm, cozy homes this time of year," Alisa M. Smith,vice-chairwoman of the AAAAI's indoor allergen committee, said in aprepared statement. "Unfortunately, with busy schedules, travel time andthe stress of the holidays, it is easy to forget to take the proper carewhen dealing with allergies and asthma. However, avoiding potentialtriggers and taking the proper precautions is necessary to keep symptomsunder control."
The AAAAI offers the following tips for people with asthma anddifferent types of allergies:
When you're at parties or family gatherings, inform your hosts aboutyour food allergy and ask about the ingredients used to prepare themeal.Always carry an injectable dose of epinephrine. Homemade meals/snacksdon't have ingredient lists and may be contaminated with trace of amountsof allergenic foods through contact with storage containers or kitchenutensils.Remind family and friends that strict avoidance is the only way foryou to manage food allergies and that even a tiny bit of allergenic foodscan trigger a dangerous allergic reaction.If you're visiting homes where there are pets, take your allergymedication beforehand.Real Christmas trees often carry microscopic mold spores that cancause allergic symptoms such as sneezing, water eyes, and an itchynose.Decorations and artificial trees can gather mold and dust while instorage. Clean them before you start putting them up.Artificial snow can irritate your lungs if you inhale it. Be sure tofollow directions when spraying artificial snow on windows or othersurfaces.The stress of the holiday season can sometimes trigger an asthmaattack. Monitor your stress levels. If you do feel stressed, deepbreathing and relaxation may help.If you're sleeping away from home, bring your own pillow with anallergen-proof cover. Ask for down-free pillows.Avoid wood smoke, which can trigger an asthma attack.
More information
The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about controlling allergy symptoms.