Christmas Tree Asthma Risk, Australia

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Article Date: 10 Dec 2007 - 4:00 PDT

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Real or fake?

It's a question that most families ponder as we hurtle towards Christmas, but the National Asthma Council Australia is warning the two million plus Aussies with asthma to make a careful choice, as both options could trigger asthma symptoms.

According to National Asthma Council Chief Executive Officer, Kristine Whorlow, pollens and dust are two of the most common asthma triggers and both could be lurking amongst the branches of your Chrissie tree, depending on which option you choose.

"Most people are unaware that some trees produce high amounts of pollen and pollen can trigger hay fever symptoms and asthma," Kristine Whorlow said.

"Some of the biggest pollen producers include the Cypress family of trees and pine trees - the same trees that we use as the central focus of our Christmas celebrations, often bringing them into our living rooms for weeks on end."

Judi Wicking, an experienced nurse and asthma educator, needs no convincing when it comes to pointing the finger at real Christmas trees as an asthma trigger.

As a child Judi's family annually erected an artifical tree, but when Judi had a family of her own she opted for the real thing.

"For two or three years we had a real Christmas tree in the house and I found myself wheezing throughout the festivities. At first I didn't make the connection, then I twigged - we got rid of the Christmas tree and I stopped wheezing."

So for Judi's family the answer to the annual Christmas tree dilemma is a fake tree - but some caution is needed here too, when it comes to minimising asthma triggers.

"Artificial trees can accumulate dust and even mould - another common asthma trigger - depending on how they have been stored, particularly over the damper winter months," explained Kristine Whorlow.

To minimise the Christmas wheeze, the National Asthma Council recommends vacuuming artificial trees and decorations as you get them out of the box, unpacking them outside if possible and wiping down artificial trees before putting them up inside.

"If you have asthma it's important to be aware of your asthma triggers and avoid them if possible. You should also continue to follow the personal written asthma action plan that you have developed with your doctor," Kristine Whorlow advised.

"At this time of the year, make sure you have your medication with you and take it as advised by your doctor, even if you are out partying or away on holidays."

Seasonal asthma triggers

Trees

Natural Christmas trees may harbour pollen and artificial trees can be a major dust trap and may also accumulate mould - all three can trigger asthma in susceptible people.

Outdoor Parties

The office break up in the park or Christmas Day under the Aussie sun could spell trouble for people this year. Recent rains and an extended grass growing season mean that there is still a lot of pollen floating around, particularly on windy days, which can trigger asthma and hay fever.

Decorations

Have the vacuum on hand when you unpack last year's box of decorations. Ideally, unpack them outside and clean before use. If you are attached to your soft decorations, such as Christmas-themed soft toys or felt stockings, you can put them in the freezer overnight before use to kill dust mites. Prevent the build up of dust next year by sealing ornaments in plastic bags and storing them in airtight containers.

Scented Candles

Scented candles have become one of the most popular Christmas gifts and atmospheric decorations. Unfortunately, for some people with asthma, the perfume in scented candles may trigger symptoms.

Emotions

Christmas is a time of many emotions. 'Tis the season to be jolly, but it can also be the season for added pressures and stress as the year races to a close and that Christmas deadline looms. Stress and anxiety can be a trigger for asthma as can other intense emotions such as yelling, crying and laughing.

National Asthma Council Australia

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