Don’t Let Your Allergies Ruin the Holidays

This is the time of year for holiday spirit, not sniffles! Although most seasonal allergy sufferers think that the arrival of colder weather will bring a sigh of allergy relief, in reality the holiday season triggers a wide variety of indoor allergies.
 
However, don’t cancel your plans just yet. Midwest ENT Consultants shares insight on the main allergy triggers that occur during the holidays and a few simple tips to avoid them:
 
Think allergy triggers can’t reach you indoors? Think again!

• It’s common for mold to grow indoors if the humidity is too high, so keep indoor humidity under 50%, and even consider purchasing a dehumidifier.
• Fireplace logs can carry lots of allergens. Only bring in what you need and stack all additional firewood outside.
• Make it a routine to vacuum frequently (at least twice weekly) to avoid dirt and dust particle build-up. Consider investing in a HEPA vacuum, as they catch smaller particles that can trigger allergies inside the home.
• Be sure to remove wet dirt and leaves from around the foundation and gutters of your house to prevent outdoor mold from accumulating near windows and doors.

Enjoy holiday meals and group gatherings without food allergy worries.

• Food allergies can make holiday gatherings stressful. If you have food allergies, be sure to ask the host about the ingredients used in each dish, and also be aware of potential cross-contamination during preparation.
• If you feel that the foods being served might be too risky, plan ahead by offering to bring a dish to share that works with your dietary needs, or even pack your own snacks. It also may be wise to prepare your own little feast and eat it before you go.
• Just to be on the safe side, always carry your EpiPen with you in the case of an emergency.

Dust off your decorations to remove potential allergens.

• Your holiday decoration boxes have been untouched in storage for nearly a year, accumulating dust. Before you start unpacking, take all of the boxes and decorations outside and clean them off.
• Fresh Christmas trees and wreaths can carry mold spores, a common allergen, so consider switching to artificial decorations.

Victoria Gestner works with Midwest ENT Consultants, who are ear, nose and throat doctors with offices in various locations, including Plainfield. She wrote this in conjunction with the allergy experts at Midwest ENT Consultants.