’Tis the season to be jolly, unless you suffer from allergies caused by the different moulds found in Christmas trees. Approximately 35% of people in the UK and US suffer from an increase in hayfever like symptoms at Christmas, with real trees causing the most problems.
Dubbed the ‘Christmas Tree Syndrome’, the moulds grow on the trees naturally, but your home provides it with the perfect conditions for it to flourish and swiftly increase.
The trees can collect mould on their trunks and needles, and the ones that have been stored for a while will have collected not only mould, but also dust. The moulds then release spores, which can cause allergic reactions.
And if you think you’re safe with a fake tree, you’re wrong. If you’ve stored your tree since last year, it will have gathered dust, which will be dispersed when it is disturbed. This too can cause hayfever symptoms in sufferers.
The condition emerged following research by Dr Lawrence Kurlandsky, an allergy specialist, who wanted to find out why respiratory illnesses peak around Christmas.
‘Before this study, it was thought that the tree pollen or even the weedkiller applied to trees could be responsible, now we know it’s the mould,’ Dr Adrian Morris, an allergy specialist, told the Daily Mail.
Approximately 35% of people in the UK and US suffer from an increase in hay fever like symptoms at Christmas, with real trees causing the most problems.
Dubbed the ‘Christmas Tree Syndrome’, the moulds grow on the trees naturally, but your home provides it with the perfect conditions for it to flourish and swiftly increase.
Scientists from Upstate Medical University analysed clippings from 28 Christmas trees of different species, concluding that the traditional centre piece houses up to 53 different types of mould. Which sounds scary to anyone. Pollen was also discovered from other types of trees lodged in the bark.
What Is Christmas Tree Syndrome?
The trees can collect mould on their trunks and needles, and the ones that have been stored for a while will have collected not only mould, but also dust. The moulds then release spores, which can cause allergic reactions.
To break it down even further, live trees naturally carry microscopic mould spores which are still active within the first two weeks of taking it home. Whereas the sap contains substances that can irritate the skin and mucous membranes. So even if you cover your nose, you’re not entirely safe.
And if you think you’re safe with a fake tree, you’re wrong. If you’ve stored your tree since last year, it will have gathered dust, which will be dispersed when it is disturbed. This too can cause hay fever symptoms in sufferers. However, if you have very mild allergies, it’s unlikely you’ll have a reaction.
The condition emerged following research by Dr Lawrence Kurlandsky, an allergy specialist, who wanted to find out why respiratory illnesses peak around Christmas.
‘Before this study, it was thought that the tree pollen or even the weed killer applied to trees could be responsible, now we know it’s the mould,’ Dr Adrian Morris, an allergy specialist, told the Daily Mail.
‘The number of cladosporium spores circulating often increase at this time of year and anyway and this can cause outbreaks of asthma attacks that lead to A&E departments being inundated.’ Cladosporium is typically found in rotting leaves, compost heaps and trees.
How do I know if I have Christmas Tree Syndrome?
The typical signs of the syndrome include having an asthma attack after the tree is brought indoors or you may get flu-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, coughing and sneezing, even though you don’t feel you have a cold. And in extreme cases can cause more serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Approximately in one in 500 people the aspergillus mould will grow inside their airways. Gross.
If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms, but still not sure if the cause is your Christmas spirit and overzealous decorating of the tree, wait for around a week. If the allergies continue get checked out by your local Doctor or seek treatment straight away.
What to avoid if you have Christmas Tree Syndrome
Live trees, artificial trees, and anything that even smells like a Christmas tree. Apparently the pine resin can trigger symptoms in some people. And if you’re thinking about getting cozy and festive in the run up, avoid most candles as some fragrances can cause problems in hose with extreme sensitivities. Basically, just don’t have Christmas.
What to do if you have Christmas Tree Syndrome
The typical signs of the syndrome include having an asthma attack after the tree is brought indoors or you may get flu-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, coughing and sneezing, even though you don’t feel you have a cold.
There are a few things you can do to make Christmas a bit easier: you can spray the tree with a mild bleach solution, as this will help kill off the mould or you can take antihistamine. Experts tend to recommened the latter as a nasal spray works directly on the nasal passage where the allergic reaction to the mould is triggered. The HayMax Pure Drug Free Balm should do the trick. Made from beeswax and sunflower oil, the solution should be applied to the bottom of your nose to trap allergens before they’re inhaled.
A less fun option is get someone else to decorate your tree. Yes, it ruins part of the magic of Christmas but it gives you an excuse to boss someone about. Undisturbed, the allergens will have little effect so take care when moving around the tree or placing presents underneath as to not provoke the spores. Alternatively cover yourself head to toe to prevent the sap from making contact or breathing anything in.
You can also opt for a brand new artificial tree, giving you extra brownie points for being environmentally friendly. Or dust off the old one.
If you’re a go hard or go home kind of person and can’t resist a live tree, it’s recommended to keep it in your home for no more than 7 days (avoid with severe allergies).
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.