The holiday season in Tampa Bay is unique. Instead of snow, there’s sunshine, and windows often stay open to welcome the mild air. But for families managing allergies and asthma, the festive season can bring an unwelcome surge of indoor triggers. Here at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates of Tampa Bay, it’s a problem we see every year as cherished traditions turn homes into a source of wheezing and sneezing.
Unwrapping Your Holiday Triggers
Understanding why your symptoms flare up during the holidays is the first step toward preventing them. Several common culprits are responsible for turning festive cheer into allergic misery.
- The Christmas Tree: It’s rarely the pine scent that causes watery eyes. Real trees can carry microscopic mold spores and lingering pollen from the farm.
- Stored Decorations: Ornaments and artificial trees stored in attics or garages spend months collecting dust mites and mold, which are then released into the air.
- Festive Scents: Scented candles, air fresheners, and smoke from fireplaces release airborne irritants that can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.
- Pet Dander: After traveling, some people experience a sudden flare-up around their own pet. This happens when your tolerance to the animal’s dander is temporarily lost.
Your Allergy-Safe Holiday Checklist
Simple, proactive steps can help minimize exposure to common triggers and keep your home comfortable for everyone.
- Prepare Your Tree: Before bringing a real tree inside, rinse it thoroughly and let it dry completely. For an artificial tree, wipe down the branches with a damp cloth.
- Decorate Cleanly: Clean dusty ornaments as you unpack them. To avoid airborne irritants, choose battery-operated flameless candles over scented ones.
- Clear the Air: Use a high-efficiency (HEPA) air purifier to capture airborne particles. Change your HVAC filter before guests arrive to ensure it’s trapping dust and dander.
- Manage Pet Allergens: Keep pets out of guest bedrooms to create an “allergy-safe” zone. If you’re visiting a home with pets, taking a non-drowsy antihistamine beforehand may help.
When Holiday Cheer Causes Concern
Even with careful planning, holiday gatherings can be a challenge. Hidden food allergens or unseen mold in a relative’s home can still cause a reaction. If you spend the season feeling anxious about a potential asthma attack, it may be time to identify the true source of the problem. Guessing between the tree, a food, or a candle is often ineffective.
Find Lasting Relief This Season
A board-certified allergist can perform precise tests to identify your specific triggers and create a targeted treatment plan. Since 1973, our team has helped Tampa Bay residents navigate Florida’s complex allergy seasons. We provide comprehensive testing and personalized immunotherapy options designed to bring you long-term relief, so you can focus on making memories, not managing misery.
Don’t let allergies or asthma dictate your holiday plans. Call us today at (813) 971-9743 to schedule an appointment and breathe easier this season.
