LAX Leader

• Though many people suffer from allergies year-round, the holiday season can be especially triggering.
• Christmas trees, wreaths and other decorations can collect mold and dust.
• The scent of pine from a fresh tree can worsen allergy and asthma symptoms.

SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers' Dr. Matt Hershcovitch said allergies are caused by breathing in some kind of irritant, and if they aren't treated, they can lead to other sinus issues.

“Allergies, just very generally, are your body's sensitivity to something,” Hershcovitch told the LAX Leader. “Often it could be pollen, it could be dust mites, it could be some sort of pet dander. When you breathe in the irritant or the allergen, it causes a reaction in your nose, and it causes all these inflammatory mediators and white blood cells to attack the allergen, which causes a lot of inflammation.”

According to WebMD, more than 40 million Americans have allergies year-round, but the holiday season can be especially difficult. Decorations like evergreen trees and wreaths, as well as other decorations found in households around the country, can attract mold. One solution is artificial decorations, but they should be stored in dry containers. These decorations can also collect dust, which could be the source of an allergy or asthma symptoms.

The scent of pine from Christmas trees and other decorations can trigger symptoms as well, according to GoodRx. The sap of pine trees contains a chemical called terpene, which can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and skin. Trees decorated with fake snow called “flocking” can also be a source of irritation, as it can send small particles into the air.

Droppings from pests like mice, cockroaches and spiders can be a cause of allergies as well. They like to nest in dark, damp places like basements and garages, and they may mange to find holiday decoration bins because they are not often moved. The droppings can cause allergy symptoms in some people.

If you'd like more information on allergy testing and treatment options, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.