What is in the air in December? Winter allergies and "Christmas tree syndrome"

December is associated with the holidays rather than allergies — yet many people feel worse precisely in winter. The culprits are household allergens: dust mites, moulds and pet dander, and sometimes also the lesser-known "Christmas tree syndrome" linked to a real tree.

In brief

• Main allergens of December: house dust mites, indoor moulds, pet dander.
• Seasonal: a real Christmas tree can bring in moulds and volatile resin compounds (so-called Christmas tree syndrome).
• Typical symptoms: runny or blocked nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, sometimes cough — worse at home.
• How to cope: bedroom hygiene, humidity control, common sense with a real tree.

What triggers allergies in December

Dust mites and dust

The heating season, dry air and lots of time spent at home make dust mites the main winter allergen. Symptoms can last around the clock and are often strongest in the morning, after a night spent in contact with bedding.

Household moulds

Moulds develop in damp, poorly ventilated rooms. Their spores cause persistent symptoms, including in people with asthma.

"Christmas tree syndrome"

A real Christmas tree can bring mould spores (growing on damp bark and needles) and volatile resin compounds into the home, which in sensitive people can worsen runny nose, cough and eye irritation. Symptoms usually build up within a few days of putting the tree up.

How to ease symptoms in December

• Wash bedding at 60°C, vacuum with a HEPA filter, air the bedroom.
• Control humidity at home to limit moulds.
• Shake off and dry a real Christmas tree before bringing it in; consider keeping it indoors for a shorter time or using an artificial tree if you react.
• Consider an air purifier with a HEPA filter.

If symptoms do not go away in winter, dust mites or moulds are probably the cause. At the AGAMED clinic in Szczecin we carry out allergy tests covering these allergens — painless, with the result right away. Everyone reacts differently, so if your symptoms are severe it is also worth consulting an allergist.

Frequently asked questions

Can you be allergic to a Christmas tree?

Not so much to the tree itself, but to the moulds that develop on damp bark and needles and to volatile resin compounds. This phenomenon is sometimes called Christmas tree syndrome.

Why do I have more symptoms in winter than in summer?

Because we spend more time at home, in contact with dust mites and dust, and the heating season dries the air and stirs up allergens.

When should I get tested?

Winter is a good time — you are outside the pollen season, and the result can help you prepare for spring. We carry out tests at AGAMED all year round. Book a visit: 519 055 858.