With the holiday season just around the corner, millions of Americans are preparing to decorate their homes, gather for feasts and travel to visit relatives. However, for allergy and asthma sufferers, the holiday season presents several potential triggers, according to Dr. Gina Dapul-Hidalgo of Family Center for Allergy and Asthma.
“Whether it’s feasting on holiday meals, setting up your Christmas tree, or visiting your pet-owning relatives, allergy triggers may be lurking inside of our warm, cozy homes this time of year,” said board-certified allergist immunologist Dr. Gina Dapul-Hidalgo. “With busy schedules, travel time and the stress of the holidays, it is easy to forget to take the proper care when dealing with allergies and asthma. However, avoiding potential triggers and taking the proper precautions is necessary to keep symptoms under control.”
Dr. Dapul-Hidalgo suggests the following tips this holiday season:
When attending holiday parties or family gatherings, inform the host about your food allergy and ask about the ingredients used to prepare the meal.
Carry auto-injectable epinephrine when attending a holiday party where unrecognized food allergens could be hiding. Homemade items do not have ingredient lists and could be contaminated with trace amounts of allergenic foods through contact with storage containers or kitchen utensils.
Remind family members and friends that strict avoidance is the only way to manage food allergies and that even one little bite can trigger a reaction.
If visiting relatives’ homes who own pets, take your allergy medication before arriving in order to minimize a possible reaction.
Clean decorations and artificial trees outside before decorating. They can gather mold and dust while in storage.
The holidays are stressful. Pay attention to your stress level, which can sometimes lead to an asthma attack. Deep breathing and relaxation can help.
Take along your own pillow with an allergen-proof cover and request down-free pillows if staying in a hotel or at a relative’s house.
Ask your relatives and friends to avoid burning wood in the fireplace. The smoke can trigger an asthma attack.
If you are concerned about managing your allergies or asthma during the holidays, call 240.243.6115 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dapul-Hidalgo for more guidance on how to keep your symptoms under control.
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