The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But for many people, they can also be a time of misery due to allergies. From the food and decorations to those busy lawn care services kicking up allergens here in Houston, there are many things that can trigger an allergic reaction. If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from allergies, don’t despair! There are things you can do to make the holidays more enjoyable. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for dealing with allergies during the holiday season.
Food Allergies
For many people, the holidays are a time to enjoy special meals with family and friends. But for those with food allergies, the holiday season can be a time of stress and anxiety. When you’re dealing with a potentially life-threatening condition, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your food is safe to eat. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the holiday season with food allergies:
Talk to your host in advance: If you’re attending a holiday party or meal at someone else’s home, make sure to communicate your needs in advance. This will give your host a chance to make accommodations, and it will help to reduce any anxiety you may be feeling.
Bring your own food: In some cases, it may be easiest (and safest) to simply bring your own food. This way, you can be sure that there will be something on the table that you can eat without worry.
Educate your friends and family: Your friends and family may not be aware of your condition, so take some time to educate them about what you can and cannot eat. This will help them to understand your needs and make sure that they take steps to accommodate you.
Rhinitis/Asthma
Allergic reactions to Christmas trees themselves are rare. But the fragrance of a real tree can be irritating to the respiratory tract and can result in sneezing, nasal drainage/congestion and even asthma flare-ups. The trees can also contain mold spores which can be a source of allergic trigger. Be sure to let the real tree dry and shake it well before putting it up.
Artificial trees are a good option for those who suffer from real tree exposures – but be mindful if it has collected dust in storage and take steps to keep it clean.
Allergies from Pets
Pet dander is one of the most common allergies in the world. In fact, as many as 3 in 10 people with allergies have allergic reactions to dogs and cats. Despite so many people having pet allergies, nearly 67% of all American families share their home with a pet of some kind. With those kinds of numbers, it’s tough to avoid friends and family members with animals in their homes. Your doctor may also be able to prescribe allergy medication that can help make you more comfortable during your visit. If you’re planning to stay with family over the holidays, a hotel, Airbnb, or local vacation rental may be a better option for you. As much as you’d like to stay with your loved one, constant exposure to pet dander can be dangerous for those with extreme allergies. As with all health concerns, washing your hands regularly can help minimize your exposure to pet allergens and manage your symptoms.
Although the holidays are a time to enjoy family and friends, they can also be a difficult time for those with allergies. By following the tips above, you can make sure that your holiday season is as enjoyable as possible. From all of us at A-Z Primary Care, we hope that you have a happy and safe holiday season!
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At A-Z Primary Care we provide high quality, comprehensive, affordable Primary Care and Preventive Services. Our goal is patient care with compassion and integrity. We are conveniently located off of the 99 loop in Spring, Texas just north of Houston. Visit www.AZPrimaryclinic.com for more information and articles about health and wellness.