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allergensChristmas is the most wonderful time of the year, right? This holiday season is filled with gift giving, memory making, cookie creations, and more. But, one thing it should not be filled with is allergens. Consider the following Christmas-related allergens that might cause your symptoms to flare: dairy, real Christmas trees, and new foods.

Christmas Allergen: Dairy

Santa isn’t the only one eating milk and cookies during Christmastime, but he likely doesn’t have to deal with a dairy intolerance or allergy. If you have a dairy intolerance, you may feel symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and nausea. If you are allergic to dairy, your symptoms will be much more severe. If you’re unsure whether you have an intolerance or allergy to dairy, allow one of the Langford Allergy doctors to perform an allergy test and create a treatment plan for you.

(Fun fact: According to research findings, if Santa eats two bites of every cookie served to him across the globe, he eats roughly 336 million cookies on Christmas Eve. That’s a lot of milk and cookies!)

Christmas Allergen: New Foods

Many people travel to their extended family’s home for Christmas celebrations. But, if you or your child has food allergies, it’s important to be careful around new foods. Even traditional Christmas foods can be created with different ingredients. For safety purposes, ask the host about ingredients or avoid the food altogether.

Christmas Allergen: Real Christmas Trees

If your eye and nasal allergies start acting up after you set up your real Christmas tree, it’s likely that’s the cause of your allergy issues! The tree itself may not be causing your allergies to flare, but rather what’s on the tree. Before you set up your tree, make sure you shake your tree free of any lingering dust or mold. Additionally, wipe off your Christmas ornaments and run an air purifier in the same room as the tree. These three steps will greatly reduce mold and dust caused by your Christmas tree and ornaments.

Schedule an appointment with a Langford Allergy doctor to discuss your allergen!