As excitement builds for Christmas, the National Asthma Council Australia is reminding people with asthma and allergies about the risk of Christmas Tree Syndrome.
Christmas Tree Syndrome is an allergic reaction to real or artificial trees and can cause wheezing, sneezing, coughs, sore eyes and even potentially serious asthma attacks.
A recent small survey of 170 Melbourne Pollen app subscribers found that 87 per cent of respondents said they have had an allergic reaction to real Christmas trees, including sneezing, itchy eyes and dry cough and some reported severe reactions such as swelling of the eyes and throat, hives or itchy welts and asthma flare-ups.
Fake trees also caused some concerning reactions, with seven per cent of respondents reporting symptoms such as itchy nose and eyes, wheezing, blocked sinuses, rashes and asthma.
In fact, over 70 per cent of the survey respondents that had experienced an allergic reaction from a Christmas tree said that they make sure to avoid Christmas trees altogether. This is despite only seven per cent of them having ever heard about Christmas Tree Syndrome previously.
National Asthma Council Australia spokesperson and allergist, Clinical Professor Sheryl van Nunen, said many people are surprised that both real Christmas trees and artificial trees can pose an allergy risk.
“Real Christmas trees like cypress and pine can trap high amounts of pollen from other plants before they are cut down, and as the cut tree dries out, it releases the pollen which becomes airborne inside the house.
“The pollen and mould can cause ‘Christmas tree syndrome’, which can trigger asthma and hay fever symptoms and causes wheezing, sneezing, disrupted sleep, and possible severe asthma attacks,” she said.
However, she warned that artificial Christmas trees can cause similar problems.
“Artificial trees can be a safe alternative but, if used year after year, they accumulate dust or mould, which may be invisible to the naked eye.
“Even the most exciting part of the Christmas tree tradition - decorating - can put you at risk if festive decorations have become dusty in storage,” she explained.
Clinical Professor van Nunen says those with allergies and/or asthma can still have a Christmas tree if they wipe artificial trees clean of dust and mould with a damp cloth or take a hose to the real version.
“You can reduce the risks by simply hosing off the tree before you bring it in the house and letting it dry, as this greatly reduces the amount of pollen and dust,” she said.
The National Asthma Council Australia Sensitive Choice program provides helpful tips to help keep your festive season free of wheezing and sneezing:
Real Christmas tree in your home
Artificial Christmas tree in your home
Clinical Professor van Nunen said that if you have asthma or allergies, it’s important to be aware of your triggers and manage them if possible.
“You should also continue to follow the written asthma action plan that you have developed with your doctor. Make sure you have your medication with you and take it as advised by your doctor, even if you are out celebrating during the festive season or away on holidays,” she said.
For more information on asthma and allergies visit sensitivechoice.com or download the Christmas Tree Syndrome Fact Sheet.
For further information or an interview with a National Asthma Council Australia spokesperson, please contact:
Donna Le Page, Le Page PR
Mobile: 0429 825 703 or Email: [email protected]
The National Asthma Council Australia is a collaboration of four member organisations (APNA, ASCIA, PSA and RACGP) and the national trusted authority for asthma knowledge. We set and disseminate the standards for asthma care through our responsive and evidence-based asthma guidelines - the Australian Asthma Handbook and resources for primary health care professionals. Our Sensitive Choice program empowers consumers to identify asthma and allergy-aware products and services.
