How to avoid Christmas tree allergies

Choosing pine trees with minimal pollen and dust mites, and washing ornaments before hanging them can help reduce allergies and irritation in the nose and throat.

Christmas trees come in two types: real and artificial. Real trees contain many terpenes in their sap. Artificial trees, on the other hand, may contain mold, dust, and pollen. All of these substances can increase the likelihood of allergies, causing rhinitis, sneezing, and itchy eyes and nose.

The following methods can help reduce the likelihood of allergies.

For real pine trees

Choose plants that are less likely to cause allergies : If pine pollen is your main allergen, you can switch to a cypress, pine, or kumquat tree to decorate your Christmas tree.

Removing allergens : Before bringing the Christmas tree home, you should have someone shake it to remove any needles, spray it with water, and let it dry overnight. This will remove mold, leftover flower petals, and dust, preventing nasal irritation.

Place the Christmas tree outside : People with allergies should place the Christmas tree on the porch or in front of a large window. Family members can sit inside and admire the tree, away from pollen and dust.

Allergens such as dust mites and pine pollen can trigger allergies. (Image: Freepik) — Allergens such as dust mites and pine pollen can trigger allergies. (Image: *Freepik)*

For artificial trees

Clean : Artificial plants can also harbor dust and mold because they are mass-produced and stored in boxes for many years. Before decorating, wipe the leaves and stems clean with a dust cloth or take them outside and spray them with water.

Dusting ornaments: Wash and dry Christmas tree ornaments to prevent mold and dust. Wipe them clean with a soft cloth before hanging them. At the end of the season, families should wrap ornaments in fresh paper instead of reusing old paper. Choose natural, simple ornaments, avoiding those with lots of glitter or made from irritating plastics or cotton.

Avoid scented candles : Scented candles can lead to nasal congestion and airway irritation. If your family wants to add a little more atmosphere to your Christmas meal, you can try unscented beeswax candles.

People who come into contact with pine trees and experience symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, itching of the nose and eyes should rinse their noses with saline solution, use allergy eye drops, limit the number of pine trees in the house, stay as far away as possible, and consult a doctor.

( According to Very Well Health )

Readers can ask questions about ear, nose, and throat diseases here for doctors to answer.

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