Have you noticed that your asthma has worsened during this holiday season?

Your Christmas tree may be the culprit.

Experts from the National Asthma Council of Australia warn that hanging your beloved Christmas tree may actually cause "Christmas Tree Syndrome"-an allergic reaction that can cause wheezing, sneezing, coughing, sore eyes and potentially severe asthma attack.

But experts say that not only real Christmas trees can cause allergic reactions, artificial Christmas trees also have their own dangers.

Real Christmas trees like cypress and pine trees can collect a lot of pollen from other plants before being felled, and once you take them home, they can cause asthma and hay fever symptoms.

If artificial trees accumulate dust, dust mites and even mold in storage, it can also cause problems.

David Furnis, the sensitive choice project manager of the National Asthma Council, said that most people don't know that real Christmas trees may contain pollen and may cause asthma and hay fever symptoms.

"Pollen can have a big impact and make your asthma symptoms worse," Mr. Furnis said.

"Artificial trees can be a safe alternative, but if used year after year, they can accumulate dust, dust mites and even mold in storage.

"Even the most exciting part of the Christmas tree tradition-decorations-can put you at risk if the stored decorations become dusty.

The National Asthma Council of Australia provides the following tips to help you avoid wheezing and sneezing during the holiday season:

Mr. Furniss said that if you have asthma, it is important to understand your asthma triggers and control them if possible.

"You should also continue to follow the written asthma action plan that you and your doctor have developed," he said.

"Make sure to take the medicine with you and take it as recommended by your doctor, even if you are out to celebrate during the holiday season or go out on holiday."

This year’s La Niña weather pattern also caused problems for hay fever and asthma patients because of the combination of tall grass pollen counts and heavy rains.

Details: www.nationalasthma.org.au.

Your ad blocker may prevent you from logging in or subscribing.

No thanks, I have been turning on the ad blocker