What is Christmas Tree Syndrome and how can it be treated - YOU Magazine Fashion Beauty Celebrity Health Life Relationships Horoscopes Food Interiors Travel Sign in Welcome!Log into your account Forgot your password? Password recovery Recover your password Search Sign in Welcome! Log into your account Forgot your password? Get help Password recovery Recover your password A password will be e-mailed to you. YOU Magazine Fashion Beauty Celebrity Health Life Relationships Horoscopes Food Interiors Travel Home Life What is Christmas Tree Syndrome and how can it be treated By You Magazine - December 13, 2019 Christmas trees are an integral part of the festive season. Not only do they symbolise Christmas, make our homes look and feel cheery but decorating them with your loved ones is the best way to get into the magical spirit. However, for some of us, that isn’t always the case. In fact, Christmas trees can have quite the opposite effect on those who suffer with the dreaded disease that is Christmas Tree Syndrome. Getty Images Never heard of it before? Well it’s time you did – especially if you’ve been feeling particularly sneezy and having cold-like symptoms ever since putting up your tree. It’s hard to accept, but what you think is just a seasonal flu could actually be an allergy to your beloved Christmas Tree. So, to help you figure it out, we’ve teamed up with Dr Clare Morrison of MedExpress, to tell you everything you need to know about Christmas Tree Syndrome… Getty Images What is Christmas Tree Syndrome Christmas Tree syndrome is an allergy to real Christmas trees, caused by the mould spores that collect on them. What are the symptoms Symptoms include wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, and skin rashes. How common is Christmas Tree Syndrome It is more common than you may think, affecting around a third of people exposed to Christmas trees, and can affect all age groups, including young children. It is most common in those who are prone to allergies already, including hay fever and asthma sufferers. Is it dangerous It’s generally more of a nuisance than a danger, but could be serious in those susceptible to asthma, potentially triggering an attack of wheeze, tight chest and breathing difficulties. What is the best way to treat Christmas Tree Syndrome There are a number of steps you can take to minimise the risk of Christmas Tree Syndrome. Firstly consider not getting a real tree at all, but using an artificial one instead. If you must use a real tree, limit the time it’s in the house, so it gathers less mould spores. Before bringing it inside, give the tree a good shake, and put it in a cooler part of the house, as warmth encourages more mould spores to form. When decorating the tree, wear gloves and long sleeves if necessary. If you develop symptoms of Christmas tree allergy, take antihistamines, and keep away from the tree. If you’re concerned, always consult a health professional. RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR Everything we know about The Crown season 5 Aldi s exercise equipment is on sale with up to 50% off The best Halloween events for 2022 across the UK Popular in Life The You magazine team reveal their New Year s resolutions December 31, 2021 Susannah Taylor The TLC tools your body will love January 23, 2022 How to stop living in fear February 6, 2022 Susannah Taylor My pick of the fittest leggings February 27, 2022 Women’ s Prize for Fiction 2022 winner announced June 17, 2022 These BBC dramas are returning for a second series June 30, 2022 Susannah Taylor gives the lowdown on nature s little helper – CBD April 17, 2022 The baby names that are banned across the world April 27, 2022 The Queen has released her own emojis May 26, 2022 Sally Brompton horoscopes 27th June-3rd July 2022 June 26, 2022 Popular CategoriesFood2704Life2496Fashion2240Beauty1738Celebrity1261Interiors684 Sign up for YOUMail Thanks for subscribing Please check your email to confirm (If you don't see the email, check the spam box) Fashion Beauty Celebrity Life Food Privacy & Cookies T&C Copyright 2022 - YOU Magazine. All Rights Reserved