The holiday season brings joy, decorated trees, and festive lights. However, if you find yourself in the midst of sneezing fits, a runny nose, and itchy eyes after adorning your Christmas tree, you might be grappling with a phenomenon known as "Christmas Tree Syndrome."
“Christmas Tree Syndrome” can be a confusing topic of discussion, but AFC Urgent Care Norwalk has created a guide to help you understand and prevent it.
Identifying the Signs of Christmas Tree Syndrome:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Itchy Nose
- Watery Eyes
- Fatigue
- Sleep Disturbances
- Dark Circles Under the Eyes
Root Causes of Christmas Tree Syndrome:
Mold and Pollen:
- Mold spores adhere to live pine trees due to moisture accumulation on leaves, branches, and bark.
- Pine trees can harbor 53 different mold types, many identified as potential respiratory allergens.
- Apartments with live Christmas trees exhibited a 6-fold increase in airborne mold.
Pine Scent:
- The distinctive pine scent originates from terpenes in tree sap, causing irritation and allergies.
Dust Mites:
- Common triggers for respiratory allergies, dust mites can be transported by both live and artificial trees.
Insect Droppings:
- Pests like cockroaches may leave droppings on live and artificial trees, triggering allergies.
Chemical Treatments:
- Chemicals used on Christmas tree farms may induce symptoms like coughing and wheezing.
Nut Allergens:
- Allergies to pine nuts, produced by certain pine tree species, can also manifest.
Preventing and Managing Christmas Tree Syndrome:
For Artificial Trees:
- Exercise caution with spray snow during decoration, as aerosol chemicals may lead to irritant reactions.
- During the off-season, store the tree securely away from dust and dirt.
- Before setting up, wipe down the tree and any ornaments or decorations to keep them dust-free.
For Real Trees:
- Avoid direct contact with tree sap; use gloves and long sleeves for protection.
- Before bringing the tree indoors, shake it out and spray it with water to minimize pollen and mold.
- Allow the tree stump to rest in water and dry outdoors for a few days to mitigate mold growth.
Post-Christmas:
Once the festive season concludes, promptly remove the tree from your home to minimize exposure to pollen and potential mold growth.
AFC Urgent Care Norwalk - Your Holiday Health Partner:
If you suspect Christmas Tree Syndrome affecting you or a loved one, seek assistance at AFC Urgent Care Norwalk. We're available every day of the week and welcome most insurance plans. Feel free to drop by without an appointment, schedule a convenient time, or give us a call. Check out our hassle-free online payment system—just a few clicks and you're checked in and out! Wishing you joyful holidays and good health!
