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Topic of the Month: November 2004: Allergies and the Holiday Season
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In this month's topic you will:
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A heavy frost or cold temperatures reduce most of the outdoor allergens in much of the United States, providing some long due relief for allergy and asthma sufferers. For many, it's a chance to finally breathe easy again. However, as we gather inside our warm, cozy houses this holiday season, be aware of potential triggers lurking indoors.
Evergreens
People may think they are allergic to their Christmas tree, but the truth is evergreens often carry microscopic mold spores that reproduce when brought indoors. It is these mold spores that cause allergy symptoms. The AAAAI suggests that you allow your tree to dry out on an enclosed porch or garage before bringing it indoors, while keeping the trunk in a bucket of water so it doesn't die. You also may want to explore whether your tree retailer provides a shaking machine, which will physically remove some allergens from the tree.
Eat, drink and be weary?
Food is the foundation of many holiday gatherings. If you have a food allergy, be especially cautious when visiting friends and relatives during the holidays and eating unfamiliar foods. It only takes a small amount of an allergic food to trigger a dangerous reaction. Food allergies can be severe and even life threatening if proper steps are not taken to avoid the risk of accidental exposure.
The most common food allergies include:
- Wheat
- Eggs
- Milk
- Soy
- Fish or shellfish
- Legumes (especially peanuts)
- Tree nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, pecans and walnuts
Homemade items do not have ingredient lists and can be contaminated with trace amounts of allergenic foods through contact with storage containers, baking sheets and utensils. If you are not sure, always ask about possible hidden ingredients. Here are some additional steps you can take for prevention:
- Inform the host about your food allergy and ask about the ingredients used to prepare the meal.
- Be prepared with a self-injectable epinephrine when attending a holiday party where unrecognized food allergens may be hiding.
- Remind family members and friends that strict avoidance is important when managing food allergies and even one little bite can hurt.
 Print this holiday pumpkin cookie recipe for a tasty allergy-free dessert. This recipe was provided by the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. Visit www.foodallergy.org for more allergy-free recipes and information about food allergy avoidance.
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Key to Symbols:
M, Milk-free; E, Egg-free; W, Wheat-free; P, Peanut-free; S, Soy-free; N, Nut-free
Pumpkin Cookies
M, E, P, S, N
3 cups flour
1 T. pumpkin pie spice
1 T. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups sugar
1 cup milk-free, soy-free margarine, softened
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 1/2 T. oil, 1 1/2 T. water, 1 tsp. baking powder; mixed together
Grease cookie sheet. In medium bowl, combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, ginger, and salt; set aside. In large bowl, cream sugar and margarine. Beat until fluffy. Add pumpkin and oil, water, and baking powder mixture. Mix well. Combine with dry ingredients and mix well. Cover. Chill in refrigerator until dough is firm.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto a cookie sheet. Flatten slightly. Create a "stem" with dough and press into top of cookie. Bake 16 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Cool on wire racks. Decorate in pumpkin design using orange and green frosting.
Frosting
M, E, W, P, S, N
5 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 cup milk-free, soy-free margarine, softened
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup water
orange food coloring
green food coloring
Beat all ingredients on medium speed until smooth and of spreading consistency. If necessary, stir in additional water, 1 teaspoon at a time. Divide frosting in half. Add orange food coloring to one half and green food coloring to other half.
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Overcoming Holiday Stress
With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it is easy to become stressed out. If you suffer from asthma, you should pay attention to your stress levels because stress can sometimes lead to an asthma attack. During stressful situations, people with asthma can become extremely short of breath even though their airways are not blocked. This happens because chemicals that are released by the body during times of stress can lead to tightening of the muscles around the air passages in the lungs, narrowing the air tubes, thus making it difficult to breathe.
There are ways of coping:
- Deep breathing and relaxation
- Develop strong social support networks
- Be realistic about expectations regarding family functions
- Humor therapy
For more tips on managing stress, please visit the December 2003 Topic of the Month - Stress and Asthma.
Other Triggers
- When spraying artificial snow on windows or other surfaces, be sure to follow directions carefully. These sprays can irritate your lungs if you inhale them.
- The "Thanksgiving Effect" consists of a flare-up of allergy or asthma symptoms that occur after an interval of being away from your home and the family cat or dog. Some allergic people will lose their tolerance of their pets during the time period away. By Friday or Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend the allergy or asthma symptoms are severe and getting an urgent visit for care during that weekend may be difficult.
- Dust mites can be especially troublesome if traveling away from home. Take along your own pillow with allergen-proof cover and request down-free pillows if staying in a hotel.
For additional information, please visit the following links:
 Allergic Conditions: Food Allergy
Tip Brochure Series: Food Allergy
Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
This topic was reviewed on 10-28-04 by Stuart Friedman, MD, FAAAAI, Patients & Consumers Web Editor.
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