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Seasonal And Holiday Allergy Tips From National Jewish Medical And Research Center

Date:
October 18, 1999
Source:
National Jewish Medical And Research Center
Summary:
Get Ready for Festivities and Flare-ups: Seasonal and Holiday Allergy Tips from National Jewish Medical and Research Center
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Seasonal Fluctuations

DENVER-“Allergies are often seasonal,” says Dan Atkins, M.D., medical director of the Pediatric Care Unit at National Jewish Medical and Research Center. “The symptoms fluctuate, disappear and reoccur, based on the season. It’s important to have an action plan for each time of year and be aware of the triggers.”

Molds that plague allergy sufferers nestle snugly into the colorful fall landscape. Exposure to molds can dampen autumn tasks such as raking leaves and composting. To avoid allergic reactions, wear a filter mask or let someone else handle outdoor chores.

In addition, cool fall and winter air can be a cause of asthma attacks. “Pre-treat if you know that cold air causes flare-ups,” Dr. Atkins advises. “Take your medications before going out, and wear a scarf to cover your nose and mouth.” Indoor air can cause problems as furnaces and heating systems suddenly come to life on chilly fall nights. “Have the system cleaned and change the filters,” Dr. Atkins advises, “so that the furnace doesn’t blow out dust the first time you turn it on.”

Halloween Allergen Safeguards

Halloween can scare up more than ghosts and goblins for children with allergies. “There are many setups for reactions,” Dr. Atkins says. “Some children have food allergies. When trick-or-treating, kids often eat candy as they go. Prepare snacks for food allergic kids so they’ll have something safe to munch on as they go from house to house. Have a responsible parent along. He or she can carry medications in case of a reaction.”Once the ghosts and goblins return home, go through the treats and remove any to which your child may have allergies.

Holiday Food, Festivities and Gifts

At Thanksgiving, Chanukah and Christmas, family and friends gather in celebration. “People are hugging and kissing hello and goodbye,” Dr. Atkins notes, “and, unfortunately, respiratory viruses get passed around. If you have a cold, use good judgment about close physical contact.”

Food preparation is an issue for those with food allergies. “Maybe you can eat your own turkey dressing,” Dr. Atkins says, “but you go to a party where the hostess makes hers with walnuts and you’re allergic to walnuts. In extreme cases, you may have to bring your own meal. But generally, it’s sufficient to let the hostess know, especially if kids have food allergies. Call ahead. Take time to be prepared.”

Chanukah and Christmas gifts are seasonal delights, but talk to parents of kids with allergies before shopping. “Let parents make the decision about gifts such as stuffed animals or live pets that can trigger allergic reactions,” Dr. Atkins advises. “Look for toys that don’t have strong odors associated with them.”

Christmas Trees and Decorations

Christmas trees are often cited as the source of allergy attacks during the holidays, but molds, associated with watering live trees, and the chemicals sprayed on the trees are more likely irritants. “The Christmas tree issue is overemphasized,” Dr. Atkins says. He finds very few cases among allergy patients in which the tree is the culprit. Allergic reactions usually occur shortly af

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Materials provided by National Jewish Medical And Research Center. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

National Jewish Medical And Research Center. "Seasonal And Holiday Allergy Tips From National Jewish Medical And Research Center." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 18 October 1999. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/10/991015160304.htm>.
National Jewish Medical And Research Center. (1999, October 18). Seasonal And Holiday Allergy Tips From National Jewish Medical And Research Center. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 27, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/10/991015160304.htm
National Jewish Medical And Research Center. "Seasonal And Holiday Allergy Tips From National Jewish Medical And Research Center." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/10/991015160304.htm (accessed March 27, 2024).

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