It’s possible to have a joy-filled holiday season while keeping allergies and asthma in check.
Being aware of triggers is key, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).
“While the holidays bring much joy, some of the good times can be derailed by allergy and asthma flares,” says allergist Dr. Kathleen May, president of ACAAI. “A few well-placed precautions can keep you healthy and get your new year off to a great start as well.”
Here are some tips to keep sneezing and wheezing at bay.
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When you’re invited to eat at someone else’s house, tell your host about foods your family needs to avoid. Ask the host to mark containers so it’s clear what is in them.
When there’s a potluck, let everyone involved know your restrictions. Or consider hosting at your home, which gives you more control over ingredients.
If you are hosting, practice safety in menu planning, food preparation and even serving, Courtney Cary, a senior dietitian at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston suggested. Be aware of the eight most common allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish.
“If someone who is attending the holiday meal has an allergy to any food, it is important to fully disclose the ingredients of what you prepared so they can avoid a potentially life-threatening reaction,” she said in a college news release.
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Find out specifically what your guest is allergic to, Cary added. Then, to prepare their food, use separate, sterilized utensils on surfaces untouched by the allergen. Make sure the allergy-free food is served with its own utensil.
“This can even mean trading out a baking dish that has just been hand-washed that previously contained that allergen,” Cary said. “Even the smallest particles of allergenic foods can cause a reaction in a person who is very sensitive or has severe reactions to foods.”
If you’re making some foods vegan or vegetarian to accommodate other eating styles, be aware that some of these substitutions may include an ingredient that someone else with an allergy can’t eat.
“Ground flax seed mixed with water can be an egg substitution, or vegan butter can be used for dairy butter,” Cary said. “There are gluten-free flours that can be used in the same ratio that typical wheat flour is used but be sure to get a full list of allergies from guests as some substitutes can also contain common allergens. Research thoroughly all ingredients you are using in a recipe to ensure they do not contain common allergens.”
When considering those vegan and vegetarian friends, be aware that it’s not just the chicken you’ll want to avoid in food prep, Cary noted, but the chicken or beef broth, cheese, milk, butter, eggs, plus condiments such as oyster sauce, Worcestershire sauce and Caesar salad dressing, which are not vegan.
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Seasonal decorations have some hidden allergy triggers. Some people have skin reactions to terpene, which is found in tree sap. Others may have a reaction if they inhale mold spores and pollen found on fresh trees and greenery.
Consider washing your tree before bringing it inside. Even an artificial tree may need cleaning to remove dust and mold from the previous year. Consider cleaning other decorations before putting them up, too.
Viruses can also cause your asthma to flare. Flu-related hospitalizations are higher now than they’ve been at this time of year in decades, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Get a flu shot, the ACAAI suggests. Consider giving fist bumps and air kisses instead of hugs and real kisses, to avoid picking up extra germs.
Though it’s not an allergy, some people have an intolerance to alcohol that shows up as a stuffy nose, headache and/or flushed skin immediately after drinking. This is seen most often with red wine and alcohol that has color. Consider sipping something non-alcoholic instead.
Think about ways to keep the season calm. Exercise can boost emotional balance. Consider working out indoors if the cold weather bothers your asthma. Or give yoga and meditation a try.
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