Itchy eyes and runny noses? You may be experiencing allergies this holiday season

Health experts say the holiday season can be an unexpected trigger for allergies, as many experience runny noses and scratchy throats, which often leads to people confusing the symptoms with other illnesses.

Cleveland Clinic’s Chair of the Department of Allergy and Immunology, Dr. Sandra Hong, says the holidays can be particularly challenging for those with allergies or asthma, with live and artificial trees triggering symptoms.

“Real trees can actually carry mould on them and spores and pollen, while the artificial trees can accumulate lots of dust and mould if they haven’t been properly stored,” Dr. Hong said in an interview with CityNews.

Dr. Hong says that’s not all. Holiday decorations can also be a trigger due to dust mites and pest droppings that build up while the items are in storage.

“It’s possible to wear a mask when you’re getting the holiday decorations out.”

Dr. Hong also suggests disposing of your Christmas tree as soon as the holidays are over and storing your decorations in airtight containers after you take them down and return them to storage.

Allergy symptoms to keep in mind this winter

According to the Allergy and Asthma Network, cold weather and shorter days drive most people inside during winter, often causing allergy symptoms, even if the direct root is unclear.

The network says that while symptoms vary from person to person, an allergy to dust mites, for example, prompts the immune system to produce antibodies that bind to cells in the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and lungs.

“What triggers one person might not pose a problem for another,” the website states. “There are several common allergens found inside our homes, no matter how often you clean. Common indoor allergy triggers include mould, pet dander, dust and dust mites.”

If you have seasonal allergies, the symptoms of winter allergies will be familiar. These include watery and itchy eyes, a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, and skin rashes. Morning headaches are another symptom many people associate with common colds or the flu.

“Since colds and the flu are common in winter, it can be hard to tell if your symptoms are allergies,” the Allergy and Asthma Network’s website reads. “If your symptoms continue past the 10-day mark, it is likely allergies — even if you have never had them before.”

People with winter allergies should take extra care while at home. Some practical steps to take include dusting and vacuuming frequently, including under and behind furniture, reducing dust-catching fabric and using hard floors instead of carpet. If you’re a pet owner, try to groom and bathe them and wash your bedding more frequently.

If your symptoms interfere with your daily activities, if you experience wheezing or difficulty breathing, or allergy treatments are ineffective, consult your doctor. If you have undiagnosed allergies, you can take a skin or blood test to pinpoint your allergy.