Dallas City Wire

• Though many people suffer from allergies year-round, the holiday season can be especially triggering.
• Christmas trees, wreaths and other decorations can collect mold and dust.
• The scent of pine from a fresh tree can worsen allergy and asthma symptoms.

Dr. Monty Trimble of Dallas Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers says waiting to treat your allergies can lead to other sinus problems in the future.

"Allergies cause mucosal inflammation and swelling, which also causes the lining of the nose to be more susceptible to infection and become a viral infection," he told the Dallas City Wire. "Allergens will set the stage for people getting sick, but they also over time will cause enlargement of the nasal lining, and that can lead to obstruction of the openings of the sinuses and inflammation within the sinuses themselves."

More than 40 million Americans suffer from allergies, and the holiday season can be an especially difficult time for allergy sufferers, according to WebMD. Evergreen trees, wreaths and other holiday trimmings can attract mold, a common allergy trigger. Artificial decorations can help, but your decorations should be stored in dry containers to prevent mold that can form if they're stored somewhere damp, such as a basement. Decorations can also collect dust, which could set off allergy symptoms.

The pine scent of Christmas trees and other decorations can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms, according to GoodRx. Natural compounds called terpene, some of which can be found in the sap of pine trees, can irritate the eyes, nose and skin. Trees that are decorated with "flocking," or fake snow, can also set off allergy or asthma symptoms, as the flocking releases small particles into the air.

Another reason to beware of your holiday decorations is the possibility that you may find droppings from pests such as mice, cockroaches and spiders, which like to nest in dark, damp locations like basements and garages. Bins like the ones in which you keep your holiday decorations can make good hiding places because they aren't moved often.

If you'd like more information about allergy diagnosis and treatment, please take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.