NE Valley Times

• More than 40 million Americans suffer from allergies. 
• Christmas decorations such as trees, wreaths, and ornaments can collect dust and mold. 
• Holiday decorations that are pine-scented can provoke allergy and asthma symptoms.

The holiday season can be an especially difficult time for allergy sufferers, as travel, stress, and even Christmas decorations can lead to worse allergic reactions. According to Dr. Brian Lee of Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center, allergies affect many sinus patients.  

“I would say that the vast majority of patients have some component of allergies contributing to their sinonasal issues,” Dr. Lee told the NE Valley Times.

According to WebMD, experts recommend choosing an artificial tree for the holiday season rather than a live one, as live Christmas trees could have mold or chemicals on them. Additionally, it’s recommended to wash ornaments before decorating, choose non-fabric ornaments, and store firewood outdoors until it's ready to be used.

The pine scent of organic Christmas trees and other decorations can also trigger allergy and asthma symptoms, according to Good RX. A chemical called terpene, which is in the sap of pine trees, can be irritating to the eyes, nose, and skin. Trees that are decorated with “flocking,” or fake snow, can also set off allergy and asthma symptoms because the flocking releases small particles into the air.

Another cause of allergy triggers during the holiday season is droppings from pests such as mice, cockroaches, and spiders, according to Good RX. Those pests like to nest in dark, damp locations such as basements and garages and often find decoration bins to be good hiding places because they aren't moved often. Droppings from those pests can set off allergy symptoms.

A lot of traveling, stress, and inconsistent usage of medications during the holiday season can also lead to worsened allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Stress in particular can lead to asthma attacks.

According to Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy's website, Dr. Brian Lee graduated from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He completed his internship and residency in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) at the University of Southern California. Dr. Lee was named one of the Valley's "Top Doctors" by Phoenix Magazine in 2015 and 2016.