What is Christmas Tree Syndrome, Here's How You Can Avoid It
Christmas trees adorned in twinkling lights serving as a centerpiece in many homes. However, for a segment of the population, both real and artificial Christmas trees can bring about an unwelcome visitor – Christmas Tree Syndrome.
Some symptoms of the Christmas Tree Syndrome can be a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, or itchy skin. There may be a peculiar allergic reaction triggered by tiny, mostly invisible allergens lurking within the festive foliage as well.
Understanding Christmas Tree Syndrome
Christmas Tree Syndrome is identified when individuals, exposed to real or fake trees, exhibit typical allergy symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose that may persist for weeks. According to doctors, even individuals without a history of allergies or asthma can fall victim to this syndrome.
Real Christmas Trees
While being allergic to pine trees directly is uncommon, pine trees contain allergens of concern, such as pine nuts and pine pollen. Pine nuts generally pose a low risk, but the bigger concern comes from pollen hitchhiking on pine trees before they are cut down for the holidays.
The classic piney scent, attributed to chemicals called terpenes in pine tree sap, can also inflame airways.
Moreover, real Christmas trees may harbor pesticides, dust, insect droppings, and mold. A study found approximately 50 types of mold in a small sample of Christmas trees, highlighting the potential for allergic reactions.
Fake Christmas Trees
Artificial trees, though lacking pollen and the classic pine scent, may contain dust mites, insect droppings, and mold, depending on storage conditions. Proper storage in an airtight container is essential to prevent mold growth, especially in humid environments.
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