Rochester General Health System
Allergy / Asthma Issues During the Holidays
Advice from Theresa Bingemann, MD - Rochester General Health System
For those with allergies / asthma, the holiday time can be a difficult time. Theresa Bingemann, MD, from the Allergy / Asthma, Immunology & Rheumatology division of the Rochester General Medical Group offers some tips to reduce exposure to allergens and have a more enjoyable holiday season.
- For people that are mold allergic, steps should be taken to reduce exposure. If buying a real tree, rinse off pollen and mold, leave the tree in a bucket of water on a porch or outside for a week while it dries. Using a leaf blower can also help with this.
- If you have an artifical tree, make sure dust and mold (if stored improperly) are cleaned off. A dilute bleach and water solution can be helpful (1 part bleach to 20 parts water). When storing the tree after use, make sure it is in an air tight bag or container. These same precautions should be taken for decorations and ornaments.
- Avoid artifical snow spray, scented candles, potpourri, air fresheners, and plant arrangements with strong scents as these can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.
- Minimize plants, which can also increase mold exposure. If you do have plants, water them sparesly and keep them in sunlight to reduce mold growth.
- Patients with food allergies should remind guests and hosts about their allergies. They should ask about all ingredients and possible cross-contamination. They should remind their guests and hosts that even one bite may trigger symptoms. It is also a good idea to bring / prepare meals that you know are "safe" for yourself or your child. Self-injectable epinephrine should also be available in case of an allergic reaction.
- Plan ahead and get a flu shot to reduce the risk of infection during the holidays. Also, make sure you are taking all medicines as prescribed by your doctor. Be sure to have your rescue / reliever medicines with you while you travel.
Have a great holiday season!
Theresa Bingemann, MD joined the Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology at the Genesee Health Service in September, 2006. She attended Rutgers College and then the UMDNJ/New Jersey Medical School. She completed a combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City. Her Allergy and Immunology training for adults and children was completed at the Mayo Clinic of Rochester, MN. While at the Mayo Clinic she did research on health care quality, the safety of immunotherapy, asthma and immunodeficiency. She published this work and received awards at the American College of Allergy and Immunology. Her special interests include children and adults with food allergy, immunodeficiency, asthma and other allergic diseases. She is board certified in pediatrics, internal medicine and allergy and immunology. She lives in Pittsford with her husband and two sons.
