‘Tis the season when we start longing for family reunions. Holiday celebrations often involve joyous gatherings around decorated tables and convivial parties. And, because we don’t want to ruin the party, we have compiled a short memorandum for all of you suffering from allergy and asthma to avoid emergency trips.

Whether you travel or family and friends visit you, the number one precaution, if diagnosed with allergies or asthma, is to ensure that prescriptions are in order and you are active with your shots, if under immunotherapy.

We are all about promoting and supporting an inclusive environment which cannot be created by division or exclusion.

 

 

Memorable and pleasant celebrations can be produced by cautiously following a few preventative steps. For what food allergies are concerned, take a mental note that the following rules apply to whether you are a guest or a host:

1. Have your epinephrine prescription, asthma medications and anti-histamines handy and not expired.
2. Prepare in advance,
3. Communicate with the host (or guest). In case of food allergies remember that avoidance is the only option
4. Consult in advance about menu and ingredients. Remember that who doesn’t have allergies, may not think of cross-contamination and you don’t want your older aunt’s stuffing being remembered as the culprit of that rush to the hospital.
5. Collaborate by providing alternative recipes that do not contain allergens and by bringing cooked libations.
6. Eat prior to the event, to prevent any risk of arriving hungry and fall into the trap of inadvertently munch from the wrong tray.
7. Especially in presence of food allergic children, make sure that allergens are out of sight or reach and, when possible, substituted with appropriate equivalents safe for everyone. Like for example those peanuts bowls on the coffee tables can be easily placed out of reach of children or, better, eliminated.

The best to-do list for food allergic children and their families is detailed and divided by year-round holidays at Kids With Food Allergies Foundation (downloadable here).

Now that we have taken account for food allergies, here’s a short inventory of other common allergy and asthma triggers (other than foods) that could be lurking our homes:

1. Scented candles and potpourri may not be appropriate with asthmatic patients;
2. Coniferous trees and garlands – if you live in Florida and visit a colder state, you may be allergic and not know about it as they are not common trees in the South. The notorious fragrance of the Christmas tree can cause reactions that go way beyond the jolly celebration of the holiday season. Also, consider that they are cut and stored before being shipped and mold spores find comfort in hiding within the branches and cause various allergic reactions;
3. Stored decorations – may contain mold and dust. Best practice is to clean them before displaying.
4. make sure that the filters of the heating vents are changed – dust particles can accentuate discomfort with breathing;
5. smoke from the fireplace –
6. sudden change in temperature

In conclusion, prevention, preparation and precautions are to be considered your best friends: don’t be spare, use them profusely and have a terrific holiday season!