The holidays are all about food, family and fun, but for the young allergy and asthma sufferer, the holiday season holds several potential triggers. From trees and pets to decorations and holiday treats, allergy triggers may be lurking around every corner.

"The business and joy of the season shouldn’t be hampered by a trip to the ER,” said Robin Brown, manager of the Asthma Management Program at Children's Medical Center Dallas — the first certified asthma management program in the state of Texas and the third in the nation. Brown offers these tips to help your child prevent a holiday asthma episode.

Tips to help keep your child’s holiday season reaction-free

• Consistent hand washing — the holiday season is also the flu and cold season and since these infections can trigger severe asthma episodes, prevention is key.
• Limit exposure to fireplace or wood burning stoves — ask your relatives and friends to avoid burning wood in the fireplace; the smoke can trigger an asthma attack.
• Before decorating a live Christmas tree — allow it to dry out on an enclosed porch or garage. Consider using an artificial tree.
• Clean artificial Christmas trees outside before decorating — they can gather mold and dust in storage.
• Wash fabric decorations in hot, soapy water before displaying. Use non-fabric decorations — plastic, metal or glass decorations cannot trap dust mites. Do dust off before bringing into the house if they have been stored away.
• Take care spraying artificial snow — sprays irritate lungs if inhaled. When spraying on windows or other surfaces, be sure to follow directions.
• Give allergy/asthma medication upon holiday arrival — assume your child will be exposed to triggers or irritants at relatives' homes to lessen the chance of a possible reaction. Don’t forget to stick to the Asthma Action Plan.
• Monitor your child’s stress or excitement level which can sometimes lead to an asthma attack.
• Ask about holiday party meal ingredients — inform the host about your child’s food allergy and ask about the ingredients used to prepare the meal.
• Carry self-injectable epinephrine in case your child accidentally eats a food to which they are allergic.
• Remind family members and friends about food allergies — let them know that strict avoidance is the only way to manage food allergies and even one little bite can hurt.
• Use travel precautions to avoid dust mites — take your child’s own pillow with an allergen-proof cover. Request down-free pillows if staying in a hotel.

Resource
Children's Medical Center Dallas