Problem:

When a dust mite sensitive or asthmatic child goes to stay in another house, particularly with older relatives, the allergens that they encounter can trigger a major reaction, which can ruin your holiday. Dust mite allergy affects 85% of asthmatics, and warm, cluttered carpeted homes are a perfect breeding ground for these horrors. Not only can dust mites trigger asthma, but also sever sinusitis, runny noses, and sneezing and itchy inflamed eyes.
Another problem can be dusty Christmas decorations. Artificial trees and their decorations accumulate a lot of dust mites having been packed away in the loft or other dusty areas for most of the year.

Solution:

Staying in a house with animals is fun, particularly for an animal allergic child who is not allowed to have a pet of their own. Unfortunately, cuddles can lead to itchy red patches, breathlessness, runny noses, sneezing and red swollen eyes.

Solution:

Problem:

This is the time of year for glamming it up in you party gear and your best jewellery. Not a good idea if you are allergic to nickel. You dont want to be itching and scratching away!

Solution:

Problem:

The days are shorter, and while many of us like to snuggle up in front of a fire and a good movie at christmas, for sufferers of SAD, all they want to do is go somewhere sunny.

Solution:

Problem:

Christmas is an especially dangerous time for those with food allergies. All those cakes and other treats are so tempting, making the chance of accidental ingestion easy.
When a child has a severe food allergy, the immediate family are usually aware and careful. As a parent, you screen all food that you buy to ensure that no danger zone products enter the house. But when you are away from home, or when people bring you food gifts, extra care must be taken to ensure that these foods are safe for your child. The most common food allergens to watch out for are: Milk- Egg- Peanut- Tree nut (walnut, cashew, etc.)- Fish- Shellfish- Soy- Wheat

Solution:

- Although avoidance is the best way to handle food allergies, it may not always be possible. Using an antihistamine before a party could help prevent or reduce a reaction, but this is no guarantee.
- Carefully check all your Christmas food ingredients. Many of these seasonal foods contain nuts and other problem foods.
- If the allergy is severe, ensure that you always have an epi-pen to hand. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Make sure all relatives know about and understand the severity of the allergy, so that they don't unwittingly offer problem food.

Problem:

Long car journeys can cause problems for asthmatics; the levels of pollutants within a car can be higher than that experienced by cyclists. Add to this the excitement, the trigger foods, smoking guests, smoke from fireplaces, pets, all these can result in an asthma attack. With asthma, it is imperative to deal with an attack as soon as it starts, as it can precipitate very quickly.

Solution:

- Before bringing the tree into the house, spray it down with water and let it dry.