I didn't want to believe it, and I fought it every year.
About the time we brought in the Christmas tree, I'd start coughing and sneezing.
It got so bad one year that I ended up with pneumonia.
That is a scary experience and I finally had to admit that the wonderful scent of pines created the problem.
There are a number of plants we bring into our homes during Advent and Christmas.
Holly, ivy, poinsettias, and pine are a few.
If you're like me, scented candles are another must.
Bayberry, cinnamon and other scents associated with the season abound.
Under normal circumstances, we'd probably be able to figure out what is causing the problem, but when it's steeped in tradition, it's hard to let go of it and accept that something's got to change.
As you can see by my experience, ignoring the problem will only make things worse.
There are ways around Christmas allergies.
The first thing you'll have to do is figure out which things are causing the problem.
You can get a scratch test done, but if the symptoms are minor it might be easier to test each one and note those that cause a reaction.
Twenty-five percent of those of us in the U.
S.
are allergic to pine, so that should be your first test.
If that is the cause, then choose a fir or spruce tree instead, though you should also test to make sure they are safe.
One more consideration of these trees is dust.
You may be reacting to the dust on the tree, instead of the tree itself.
Candles in general and scented candles in particular can also create havoc on your body.
The smoke can trigger asthma attacks, and the oils in them can cause a reaction in the sensitive.
Bayberry is the most likely to trigger an attack.
Be aware of the dangers candles pose, as well.
Many fires have been started by an unwatched candle.
While poinsettias are unlikely to trigger an episode, it is a euphorbia.
Getting the sap on your skin can cause an intense burning sensation, and eating some of the pretty red plant will cause pain throughout the digestive tract.
That is the reason it's considered toxic.
If you can't figure out the cause, or if your reaction tends to cause severe problems, you'll need to see the doctor, and possibly an allergy specialist.
Be sure to tell about the symptoms, and if you know any of the plants involved, tell the doctor about them.
This will help you have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year...
without sneezing.
About the time we brought in the Christmas tree, I'd start coughing and sneezing.
It got so bad one year that I ended up with pneumonia.
That is a scary experience and I finally had to admit that the wonderful scent of pines created the problem.
There are a number of plants we bring into our homes during Advent and Christmas.
Holly, ivy, poinsettias, and pine are a few.
If you're like me, scented candles are another must.
Bayberry, cinnamon and other scents associated with the season abound.
Under normal circumstances, we'd probably be able to figure out what is causing the problem, but when it's steeped in tradition, it's hard to let go of it and accept that something's got to change.
As you can see by my experience, ignoring the problem will only make things worse.
There are ways around Christmas allergies.
The first thing you'll have to do is figure out which things are causing the problem.
You can get a scratch test done, but if the symptoms are minor it might be easier to test each one and note those that cause a reaction.
Twenty-five percent of those of us in the U.
S.
are allergic to pine, so that should be your first test.
If that is the cause, then choose a fir or spruce tree instead, though you should also test to make sure they are safe.
One more consideration of these trees is dust.
You may be reacting to the dust on the tree, instead of the tree itself.
Candles in general and scented candles in particular can also create havoc on your body.
The smoke can trigger asthma attacks, and the oils in them can cause a reaction in the sensitive.
Bayberry is the most likely to trigger an attack.
Be aware of the dangers candles pose, as well.
Many fires have been started by an unwatched candle.
While poinsettias are unlikely to trigger an episode, it is a euphorbia.
Getting the sap on your skin can cause an intense burning sensation, and eating some of the pretty red plant will cause pain throughout the digestive tract.
That is the reason it's considered toxic.
If you can't figure out the cause, or if your reaction tends to cause severe problems, you'll need to see the doctor, and possibly an allergy specialist.
Be sure to tell about the symptoms, and if you know any of the plants involved, tell the doctor about them.
This will help you have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year...
without sneezing.
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