As Christmas approaches, millions of Americans will decorate their homes with Christmas trees, real or fake.
Some may start to experience cold-like symptoms shortly after putting their trees up.
While there are more colds and flu-like viruses around during the winter, Christmas trees can be to blame, whether they were once growing on the ground or made from plastic.
This phenomenon is known as Christmas tree syndrome.
What Is Christmas Tree Syndrome?
In short, Christmas tree syndrome is an allergic reaction. A person probably has the allergy when they experience a runny nose, sneezing and congestion around real Christmas trees.
People may also experience irritated eyes, coughing and an itchy or sore throat, according to a report in The Conversation. Those with existing conditions such as asthma may also experience worsening symptoms. In some cases, it causes skin irritation and rashes. These symptoms can sometimes take weeks to go away.
How To Prevent Christmas Tree Syndrome
Those who already have existing allergies and conditions like asthma may be more at risk of Christmas tree syndrome.
Luckily, allergies directly connected to pine trees are relatively rare. There are two allergens associated with the trees including pine nuts and pine pollen, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports. But these only tend to cause a problem if they are ingested.
Other irritants that come with the tree can also be linked to Christmas tree syndrome, such as insect droppings, pesticides, and mold.
Christmas tree syndrome can also come from the smell of the festive trees. While the smell of these trees tends to be a pleasant one associated with Christmas time, it is caused by a compound called terpenes. For some people, terpenes can irritate the airways, thus causing a runny nose and congestion, a USA Today article reports.
Experts Samuel J. White, a senior lecturer in genetic immunology at Nottingham Trent University and Philippe B. Wilson, a professor of One Health at Nottingham Trent University, wrote in an article in The Conversation on the ways to mitigate symptoms. Suggestions include:
- Choose a tree carefully—there are several species of Christmas tree that produce more allergens than others. Douglas and Fraser fir trees tend to be less irritating for those with Christmas tree syndrome, compared to other types such as spruce or pine.
- Regular watering—this can ensure a tree stays hydrated, which prevents dehydration and subsequent mold growth.
- Look, don't touch—while it may seem obvious, minimizing direct contact with the tree can ensure symptoms do not become too severe.
- Opt for artificial—while real Christmas trees are a novelty that many enjoy, artificial trees tend to produce less allergens that can irritate people who are susceptible to the syndrome.
Can Fake Christmas Trees Irritate Allergies?
On rare occasions, fake Christmas trees can cause allergic reactions. Sometimes, it is for the same reasons that real Christmas trees can irritate you, such as mold growth.
If not stored properly, artificial Christmas trees can contain mold as well as insect droppings and dust mites.
All of these can cause possible allergic reactions. However, there are ways to avoid it like making sure it is stored in places away from insects and humid areas where mold thrives.
But these trees do not produce pollen, which remains the main contributor of the Christmas tree syndrome.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Robyn White is a Newsweek Nature Reporter based in London, UK. Her focus is reporting on wildlife, science and the ... Read more
