Why your Christmas tree might be making you ill
At this time of year our homes are full of festive decorations – not just Christmas trees but plants such as mistletoe and poinsettias.
However, these delicate decorations could be having an impact on your health, and not for the better.
While Christmas trees and festive plants will no doubt bring festive cheer to your home, they could also bring a trigger of allergy-style symptoms.
Often mistaken for a stubborn winter cold, these reactions could be caused by your festive greenery.
What is Christmas Tree Syndrome?
This is the term used to describe an allergic reaction triggered by exposure to real Christmas trees, or similar plants.
It can cause symptoms which are commonly associated with colds or hay fever including:
- A stuffy or blocked nose
- Coughing, sneezing or wheezing
- Sinus pressure or congestion
- Headaches
- Fatigue or feeling run down
Why does Christmas Tree Syndrome occur?
The condition happens because real Christmas trees and similar plants naturally release terpenes (aromatic chemicals responsible for their distinctive festive smell).
When a tree is brought into a warm indoor environment, these compounds are released more intensely into the air.
This can irritate the airways in sensitive individuals and trigger symptoms similar to those caused by seasonal allergies.
Having direct contact with the tree could also irritate the skin, particularly in people who already have allergies or conditions including asthma, eczema or hay fever.
Dr Tina Ghela, practising GP and Medichecks Digital Clinician explains: “When real Christmas trees are brought indoors, terpenes are released in much higher concentrations than they would be outdoors.
“This can irritate the airways, eyes and skin, especially in people who already have asthma or allergies.”
“These symptoms often closely mimic a cold or flu, but in reality, it’s not an infection at all. It’s your immune system reacting to airborne particles released by the tree.”
Is it just Christmas trees that cause this?
Christmas trees aren’t the only festive culprits for causing this.
Other seasonal plants including mistletoe, holly and poinsettias can contribute to allergy symptoms.
These plants may carry pollen and mould spores on their leaves and in their soil.
When kept in warm, enclosed spaces, these allergens can circulate through the air, creating a little indoor version of hay fever season.
“For people with hay fever, mould allergies, asthma or eczema, this can trigger familiar symptoms such as sneezing, blocked sinuses, watery eyes and breathing difficulties.” adds Dr Ghela.
Is it safer to get an artificial tree?
Switching to an artificial Christmas tree can help some people to manage their symptoms, but its not always a perfect solution.
Artificial trees that have been stored away for months can gather dust and mould, which can also trigger allergic reactions when they’re brought back out and set up indoors.
How can I avoid Christmas Tree Syndrome then?
If you want to reduce your risk of Christmas tree syndrome, there are some simple steps you can take to minimise your risk.
- Store your decorations in airtight containers or bags to prevent dust and mould building up over the year.
- Gently wash or vacuum artificial trees before decorating to remove dust and allergens.
- If choosing a real tree, spray it down outdoors with a garden hose before bringing it inside, to remove surface mould spores. Make sure the tree is fully dry before decorating it with lights.
- Use an air humidifier and ensure good ventilation to help reduce levels of terpenes, dust, pollen and mould in the air.
Dr Ghela explains: “Good ventilation and clean storage can make a real difference.
“These small steps can help people enjoy their decorations without triggering unnecessary symptoms.”
If you’re struggling with allergy symptoms this festive season, Medichecks offers two tests that can help you to pinpoint what might be triggering them. The Allergy Screen (Inhalants and Foods) Blood Test is Medichecks’ most comprehensive allergy test offering. It checks 42 common allergens including mixes for trees, moulds, dust and grasses.
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