Are You Allergic to the Holidays?
November 8th, 2007 Posted by: Dr. Cox
By Lindsay Braun, Ivanhoe Men’s health Correspondent
ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — The holiday season is quickly approaching, and with all the merriness to be had, an allergic reaction could really kill your tidings of comfort and joy. Unfortunately, along with all the decorations, feasts and family visits comes many potential allergy triggers.
âThere could be hidden sources such as food. You come in contact with a lot of different food sources during the holidays, whether it be mixed nuts, shrimp cocktail ⦠those kinds of food are definitely potential allergy problems,â Asriani M. Chiu, M.D., Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Allergy at the Medical College of Wisconsin, told Ivanhoe.
Once the feast is cleared, you also need to beware of the company youâre in. No, youâre probably not allergic to your in-laws, but you may have a reaction to their furry housemates. âItâs the time of year where youâre going to see family members and maybe you have an animal dander allergy. Pet dander allergies can become a problem,â Dr. Chiu said.
Putting up holiday decorations is also a common source of allergy aggravation. Even if you stay away from real Christmas trees and other live holiday decorations, you still may not be in the clear. âEven if theyâre the artificial kind they can have mold and dust, and that could be a possible trigger,â Dr. Chiu said.
Keeping these common allergy triggers in mind will help you enjoy the holidays in an allergy-free way. âThey key is to always be prepared. If youâre going to visits someoneâs home bring the emergency type medications,â Dr. Chui said. âWhether itâs an inhaler for asthma, a self injecting epinephrine shot for food allergies or simply an antihistamine.â
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SOURCE: Ivanhoe interview with Asriani M. Chiu, M.D.