The 5 signs your Christmas tree could be making you ill – and when to see your GP
IT’S not really Christmas until the tree is up.
But for some, welcoming the return of their festive foliage could also invite a host of irritating – and potentially dangerous – symptoms.
‘Christmas tree syndrome‘ is the nickname given to an allergic reaction to a Christmas tree.
Like all allergies, five symptoms could be triggered as a result:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Stuffy nose
- Runny nose
Terpenes, the compounds that give Christmas trees their scent, can be one cause of an allergic reaction if touched or inhaled.
But symptoms can also be triggered by mould or dust, and can be a particular danger to people with asthma.
Dr Andrew Whittamore, clinical lead at the charity Asthma + Lung UK and a practising GP, warned: “It can cause the airways to inflame and tighten, potentially leading to a flare-up of symptoms, such as breathlessness, and causing a life-threatening asthma attack.”
Christmas tree syndrome can occur with both real and artificial trees for different reasons.
“Real trees can carry many different types of mould which can increase the levels of mould spores in your home,” the doctor said.
Other seasonal plants like mistletoe can also bring mould spores and pollen into your house.
And in a warm home, these spores can multiply.
If you’re sensitive to mould and pollen, you may notice symptoms similar to hay fever and your asthma symptoms may get worse.
In a recent survey, Asthma + Lung UK found a staggering 34 per cent of people with asthma surveyed said they were triggered by mould and fungi.
Artificial trees aren’t completely safe either, as the dust and mould from these accumulated during storage could prompt an allergic response too.
And 55 per cent of those with asthma surveyed said dust is a trigger for them.
Dr Whittamore said: “It is important that those with asthma protect themselves so they can stay well during the festive season by ensuring they take their medicines correctly and staying away from triggers whenever possible.
“Winter is a tough time for people with lung conditions as cold, damp weather and an increase in viruses also increase inflammation in the airways and respiratory symptoms.”
How to avoid Christmas tree syndrome
Dr Natasha Fernando, a practising GP and medical director of home blood testing service Medichecks, said there are things you can do to avoid a bout of Christmas tree syndrome.
When natural Christmas trees are kept in a warm house, they are the perfect place for mould to grow.
So Dr Fernando said if you suffer from asthma and know that mould irritates you, then it might be time to swap to an artificial tree.
Packing your tree up in an airtight bag will reduce the amount of dust that can gather before the next year
Dr Natasha Fernando
But she added: “Artificial trees are perfect holders for dust.
“If you know that dust also triggers your asthma, this can be dangerous if it causes an attack.
“If you have a natural tree, spraying it down with a hose before you bring it into the house will remove mould spores and hopefully reduce the growth rate.
“Just ensure that the tree is completely dry before you dress it with any Christmas lights.
“An air-humidifier is also a good option for keeping the room ventilated and clearing away mould particles.”
If you’ve chosen an artificial tree, vacuuming or wiping it down before you decorate can also help get rid of any dust particles and hopefully reduce irritation.
She added: “Packing your tree up in an airtight bag will reduce the amount of dust that can gather before the next year, so you have more time to focus on your decoration placements.”
Who is affected by asthma and what are the signs?
Asthma affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood, although can develop for the first time in adults.
The main symptoms are:
- a whistling sound when breathing (wheezing)
- breathlessness
- a tight chest, which may feel like a band is tightening around it
- coughing
When these symptoms get worse, this is known as an asthma attack.
You should see a GP if you think you or your child has asthma.
Several other conditions can also cause these symptoms, so it’s important to get checked out to find the root of the cause.