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I am decorating Christmas tree It’s a beloved tradition for many of us during the festive season. While some people like to use and reuse artificial trees as an eco-friendly way to enjoy the holiday spirit, others look for the perfect real tree to decorate with a bunch of ornaments and gifts.
But some people who decide to get a real tree find that they start experiencing cold-like symptoms after decorating it. While many people may consider these symptoms to be just a cold – or even covid – The culprit may actually be a little-known condition called Christmas Tree Syndrome.
Christmas tree syndrome encompasses a spectrum of health problems resulting from exposure to allergens that live on live Christmas trees. For people who are sensitive to allergies, prolonged exposure to live Christmas trees can cause respiratory and skin health problems.
The main symptoms of Christmas tree syndrome include being filled or runny noseSneezing, eye irritation, cough, wheezing and itching in the throat. symptoms of asthma It may also get worse. Dermatological symptoms may include redness, swelling, and itching.
This phenomenon occurs due to the ecology of living trees, which carry microscopic entities including pollen and fungi. Pollen, a notorious outdoor allergen, can enter our homes, while fungi find a cozy haven in cool, moist Christmas tree farms and garden centers.
Mold can also develop on live Christmas trees. In particular, a Christmas tree can host over 50 species of fungi, creating a habitat for these small but potentially troublesome organisms. Several types of fungus found on trees are most likely to cause allergies, including aspergillus, PenicilliumAnd Cladosporium,
Researchers also closely measured the number of molds in rooms with live Christmas trees. During the first three days when the tree is indoors, the fungal spore count measures approximately 800 spores per cubic meter of air. However, on the fourth day, the number of spores begins to increase – eventually reaching 5,000 spores per cubic meter within two weeks.
Mold grows best in warm, wet, and humid conditions. So when the tree is brought indoors, mold production increases significantly in warmer climates.
About the author
Samuel J. White is Senior Lecturer in Genetic Immunology at Nottingham Trent University. Philip B. Wilson is Professor of One Health at Nottingham Trent University.
This article is republished from Conversation Under Creative Commons license. read the original article,
Pine pollen is not a big issue for allergy sufferers when it comes to Christmas trees. But Christmas trees can be exposed to other known allergens while growing, which can then make their way into the home. For example, grass pollen can stick to Christmas tree sap during the spring. Then, when the tree is cut and brought indoors, the sap dries, and the trapped pollen is released into the air.
management of symptoms
Some people are at higher risk of experiencing Christmas tree syndrome. people suffering from asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Syndrome (COPD) May be more sensitive to allergies – and these allergies may also increase symptoms like coughing and wheezing.
People who suffer from allergies are also at greater risk – research shows that 7% of allergy sufferers experienced an increase in symptoms when there was a Christmas tree in their home. People with skin problems (such as contact dermatitis and itching) may also find their symptoms worsening around fresh Christmas trees.
Timely identification of symptoms is important to reduce the effects of Christmas Tree Syndrome. So if you suffer from allergies, here’s what you can do:
- Select your tree carefully: Select varieties with low allergenic potential. Fir trees, such as Douglas and Fraser fir, are known to cause fewer allergies than spruce or pine.
- Inspect your tree: Carefully inspect the tree for signs of fungus before bringing it indoors. Focus on areas where moisture can accumulate, as damp conditions promote mold growth. The most common mold found on Christmas trees is Aspergillus, which looks black on the surface and usually white-black or yellow underneath.
- Proper Maintenance: Water living trees regularly to prevent dehydration, as this can lead to mildew growth. A well-hydrated tree is also less likely to develop fungus. And since warm, humid environments promote mold growth, try to keep your home well-ventilated. You may also consider using a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels in your home.
- Minimize direct contact: Try to avoid too much direct contact when decorating the tree. Wearing gloves can reduce the risk of skin reactions.
- Go artificial: Consider artificial trees as a practical option. These eliminate the risk of allergies and can be reused – thereby reducing environmental impact.
Christmas tree syndrome can be a nuisance. But by considering the science and taking precautions, you can ensure an enjoyable and allergy-free festive season.