(BPT) - The magic of a snowy winter's day and the joy of savoring holiday meals with friends and family can easily dissolve if you suffer from allergies or asthma. All of that sneezing and sniffling and coughing and wheezing can make you as grumpy as Scrooge.
"The winter holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are a joyous time for many of us, but that joy can turn into frustration if you have allergies or asthma," says allergist James Tracy, DO, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). "It's a common misconception that allergens disappear after the first hard freeze. People can suffer year round, and the holidays can be especially taxing."
Here are some tips from ACAAI for enjoying winter weather and the holidays with allergies and asthma.
Bundle up outside. Making holiday memories with family means outdoor activities like sledding, ice skating on a frozen pond and building a snowman. Do it all this year, but don't forget a face mask or scarf if you or your child has asthma. Cold, dry air can be a trigger. Keep asthma flares at bay with a cozy scarf around your mouth and nose, and get out there and throw some snowballs!
Indulge in the bounty of the season ... carefully. Half the fun of holiday parties are tables loaded with the special dishes everyone brings. Savory stews, salads, latkes like your grandma used to make, your mother's mac and cheese, desserts of all kinds. Don't worry about the calories this once - but make sure you know what you're eating if you or your children suffer from food allergies. It's easy for allergens to slip into food someone else has prepared, so when in doubt, bring dishes you know your family can enjoy.
Prep for staying at grandma's house. Many people travel for the holidays. Whether you're staying at a hotel or with family or friends, remember there could be triggers like dust mites, mold and pet allergens. Make sure to pack your medicine, including injectable epinephrine, and bring your own pillow or dust mite-proof pillow cases.
Reconsider scented candles. Love a pine- or spice-scented candle filling your home with holiday aromas? You might want to rethink that. Scented candles and air fresheners can be an asthma trigger.
A snowstorm of sniffles? See an allergist. If your child is seemingly bringing home bug after bug during the holiday season, they might have undiagnosed allergies. It could be anything from pet allergies to dust mites to mold, and a host of other triggers. They can even be allergic to the Christmas tree! Have your child tested for allergies by a board-certified allergist. Knowing what they're allergic to is the key to controlling symptoms and helping them enjoy the holidays (and every day) a whole lot more.
Uncouple from the bustle. The holidays can be a busy, hectic time with parties to host and gifts to buy and school performances to attend. But stress can make asthma symptoms worse. This year, slow down, take a deep breath,
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, or suspect that you do, see a board-certified allergist. Allergists are trained to diagnose and treat your symptoms, and to work with you to create an individual action plan. To find an allergist in your area, use the ACAAI allergist locator tool.
About ACAAI
The ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.
