Can Christmas Trees Cause Headaches

Christmas trees - real or fake - may trigger a runny nose or cough thanks to tiny, mostly invisible allergens that lurk inside them. These chemical vapors can cause headaches and breathing discomfort in some individuals. Letting the tree air out outside for several days can help reduce exposure.

Fake Christmas trees are also treated with flame retardants, which also off. It sounds like something the Grinch would make up, but Christmas tree syndrome is real. An allergist explains why some of us are allergic to Christmas trees and what to do about it.

Discover why your scented Christmas tree may be causing headaches and learn practical, science. Sensory Overload: The varied fragrances (candles, Christmas trees, and flowers) associated with the holidays, the many lights and sounds surrounding us, trigger attacks for many migraine sufferers. They can be carried into the house on real and artificial Christmas trees as well as on the decorations and lights.

Tree scent: The characteristic pine smell, which is synonymous with Christmas, comes from terpenes in the tree sap, and some people are allergic to these compounds. (Weirdly, I don't get sick from real Christmas trees, like many other people do. Which goes to show that any tree can cause you allergies.) Every December, it seems like most people complain about being tired, run down, getting the sniffles, and feeling not.

The main symptoms of Christmas tree syndrome include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, irritated eyes, coughing, wheezing and itchy throat. Asthma symptoms may also worsen. Identifying the root cause of your allergies can help you avoid discomfort in the future and enjoy the festive season without interruptions.

Enjoy the Holidays Without Allergy Worries Christmas tree syndrome might be an unwelcome guest during the holidays, but it doesn't have to ruin your celebrations. For some people, the scent of a Christmas tree is beautiful, but it can also be a major headache trigger. After a couple of weeks with pine boughs in your home, you might be suffering.

Other common holiday scents that give people headaches include scented candles and even cinnamon.