Christmas Tree Syndrome can hit asthmatics hard

Excitement is building for Christmas, but the National Asthma Council Australia is reminding people with asthma and allergies about the risk of Christmas Tree Syndrome.

The allergic reaction to real or artificial trees 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 had experienced 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.

Seven per cent of respondents reported symptoms such as itchy nose and eyes, wheezing, blocked sinuses, rashes and asthma from fake Christmas trees.

More than 70 per cent of respondents who had experienced an allergic reaction from a Christmas tree said they made sure to avoid Christmas trees altogether – despite only 7 per cent of them having ever heard about Christmas Tree Syndrome.

National Asthma Council Australia spokesperson and allergist, clinical professor Sheryl van Nunen, said many people were surprised that both real and artificial trees could 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,” she said.

“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 artificial Christmas trees could 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,” she said.

“Even the most exciting part of the Christmas tree tradition – decorating – can put you at risk if festive decorations have become dusty in storage.”

Professor van Nunen said people with allergies and/or asthma could still have a Christmas tree if they wiped artificial trees clean of dust and mould with a damp cloth or rinsed them with water.

The council’s Sensitive Choice program provides helpful tips to keep your festive season free of wheezing and sneezing:

For real Christmas trees Hose down your tree before you bring it into the house to help to wash off the allergens.

Cut 2.5 centimetres off the bottom so you can water the tree and it will stay in a reasonable condition without drying out too quickly – but remember not to try that with electric lights, and If you notice increased asthma or allergy symptoms, move your tree outside.

For artificial Christmas trees:

Give the tree a good shake outdoors before you put it up inside

Unpack your tree and decorations outside and vacuum them as you get them out of the box

Wipe down your artificial tree, wreaths and ornaments with a damp cloth to remove the dust, and

When you pack your tree and decorations away, use airtight plastic bags and sealed boxes so they collect less dust.

Professor van Nunen said that if you have asthma or allergies, it was important to be aware of your triggers and manage them if possible. For more information on asthma and allergies, head to sensitivechoice.com