Millions of British households embrace the tradition of real Christmas trees, with around 10 million live pines purchased each year. However, a BBC doctor is raising awareness that these festive favourites could trigger allergy symptoms, especially in people prone to hay fever and other allergies.
Bringing a live Christmas tree indoors can inadvertently introduce outdoor allergens like pollen, dust, and mould spores into the home. These allergens often cling to the needles and branches of natural trees, potentially causing sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing, and skin rashes once the decorations are in place.
Allergy UK estimates that around 16 million people in the UK suffer from hay fever, and nearly half of these also contend with asthma or other allergic conditions. For these individuals, exposure to allergens from a Christmas tree may exacerbate their symptoms.
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Dr Kas Ahmed, who recently appeared on BBC Morning Live, explained that while the tree itself isn’t releasing pollen, it can carry pollens from grasses and other outdoor allergens indoors. He advises those affected to take preventative measures, such as thoroughly cleaning and drying the tree before bringing it inside.
To manage symptoms, Dr Ahmed suggests using antihistamines, the same medications often taken during hay fever season. He recommends taking them prophylactically, especially in the morning before exposure to the tree or visiting others with fresh trees.
Various affordable antihistamine options are available at high street pharmacies. For example, Boots offers Bells Hayfever and Allergy Relief 10mg Tablets at roughly 9p per tablet, while Superdrug’s own-brand Cetirizine tablets cost around 19p each.
If your usual medication isn’t effective, you might try switching to a different type of antihistamine. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
By taking these precautions, allergy sufferers can better enjoy the festive season without discomfort caused by their Christmas tree.