More than 9,000 people were admitted to hospital in England last December after having an asthma attack. The figure dropped to 6,390 in February. So what is it about Christmas that can be so deadly when it comes to lung conditions? It seems mulled wine, pretty baubles and even the strain of cooking could prompt a worsening of lung symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing and coughing, meaning you might end up spending Christmas in a hospital bed. Asthma + Lung UK’s clinical lead Dr Andrew Whittamore outlines the festive triggers to look out for and tells you how to safeguard your health…
FAKE AND REAL FRIGHTS
Christmas Tree Syndrome, where you are allergic to your Christmas tree and find symptoms of your lung condition worsening, can occur with both real and artificial trees for different reasons. Real trees and other seasonal plants like mistletoe can bring different types of mould spores and pollen into your home, which you often can’t see, but multiply in the warm inside environment.
If you’re sensitive to mould and pollen you may notice symptoms similar to hay fever. They can also make symptoms like wheezing and coughing worse if you have a lung condition, such as asthma. To help reduce the risk, shake off your tree and rinse it to get rid of any mould and pollen before bringing it indoors. With artificial trees, dust can gather on them over time when stored away and this can be a trigger if you have a lung condition. It’s wise to store artificial trees in an airtight container so they don’t gather dust throughout the year.
If your tree has got dusty, vacuum it or wipe it down with a damp cloth before you decorate it, or ask someone to do this for you. In a survey by Asthma + Lung UK, nearly 33% of people living with a lung condition who were questioned, said mould and fungi was a trigger for their condition and almost 50% blamed dust.
FOOD AND DRINK
While most festive nibbles and tipples are safe if you have a lung condition, some can trigger symptoms because of the ingredients they contain. Certain processed meats like sausages, mulled wine, pickled foods and vinegar, dried fruits and vegetables, fruit jams and gravy can prompt symptoms like coughing, wheezing and breathlessness if you have asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), because they contain sulphites, which can cause your airways to become irritated and constricted.
PRESENT DANGERS
Scented candles are popular gifts and smell lovely when lit. But when burned, these products create fumes that can be a trigger for many people with asthma. Some perfumes and aftershaves also contain chemicals which can be a trigger, making your lung condition symptoms worse. Asthma + Lung UK found that 39% of people said aerosols and perfumes triggered their lung condition. To protect yourself, use candles and spray perfumes and aftershaves in a larger, well-aired space rather than anywhere smaller. Alternatively, avoid them completely if they are a trigger.
PROBLEMS WITH PETS
Many people like to bring their dogs and cats along to Christmas gatherings, but this could be problematic. Almost 17% of people with lung conditions surveyed by Asthma + Lung said pets were a trigger. Not everyone with a lung condition is allergic to pets, but if you are, you may notice your symptoms get worse around animals. This is because allergens found in an animal’s skin (called dander) that can flake, and chemicals in the pet’s saliva and urine can trigger an allergic reaction.
So it may be wise to ask a pet owner to leave their pet outside, at home, or in another room if you’re spending time together over Christmas. Taking antihistamines can help alleviate your allergic symptoms.
DISASTER DECORATIONS
Dust mites love warm conditions, so when the heating is on during winter, they can multiply and spread on decorations that have been stored away all year. Mould may also grow on decorations that have been in storage. Both dust and mould are potential triggers if you have a lung condition as your airways can be more sensitive.
This means that when you come into contact with triggers like dust or mould, your airways can become more inflamed and tighten, leaving you struggling for breath.
Getting someone else to unpack, shake out and wipe down your baubles, tinsel and garlands outdoors, before you put them up, is always a good idea if dust and mould are triggers foryou.
RAMPING UP THE STRESS
Bickering and disagreements among family members and battling through crowds of shoppers to buy last-minute gifts can all build up to an overload of stress over Christmas.
Stress is a trigger for a third of people with a lung condition. When you’re stressed, your immune system may not work as well, making it easier to catch colds or other respiratory infections.
These illnesses can trigger asthma attacks, cause stronger symptoms, or make your lung condition feel harder to manage. It might sound impossible over the festive period, but try to keep stress levels as low as possible. Things like eating well, doing exercise, getting enough sleep and connecting with people who can support you, can help, as well as ensuring you are taking your medications as prescribed.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
