Respiratory Therapists Offer Holiday Advice for People with Asthma and Allergies

		Respiratory Therapists Offer Holiday Advice for People with Asthma and Allergies For Immediate Release IRVING , TX (December 16, 2005) – The holidays are here, and that means pine-scented air and other delights most of us find perfect for the season. But if you suffer from asthma or allergies, say respiratory therapists from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), the holidays can seem more like a minefield full of potential triggers for your condition. “People with asthma and allergies need to know what they are allergic to,” notes Tom Kallstrom, RRT, FAARC, the AARC's representative to the federal government's National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. “Then they should try to avoid them as much as possible.” For many people, the top asthma trigger during the holidays is the Christmas tree. Pine and fur trees, continues Kallstrom, are common allergens, and are best avoided in households where someone suffers from asthma. He also notes real trees often harbor other unwanted asthma triggers. “Mold grows on live trees and is a considerable trigger when placed in the home. The best tree for people with asthma and allergies is an artificial tree.” Even artificial trees can pose problems, if they are stored in dusty locations throughout the rest of the year. Kallstrom emphasizes the importance of ensuring they are clean and dust-free prior to being set up. Other holiday triggers lurk as well. Scented candles and holiday fragrances are best avoided, and people with food allergies need to be on guard when partaking of holiday meals, particularly when it comes to homemade dishes. “Ask your host what ingredients were used – don't be shy, because you need to know,” says the registered respiratory therapist. Parties can pose problems too, especially if smoking is part of the mix. Kallstrom recommends speaking with the host beforehand and letting him or her know you are sensitive to cigarette smoke. Hopefully, smoking can be restricted to an outdoor area. But if you do encounter a smoker, don't be afraid to explain your situation and ask him or her to refrain from lighting up in your presence. Lastly, Kallstrom says to realize that stress can play a role in holiday-related asthma attacks as well. “Stress can act to hamper the immune system, so it's best to avoid stressful situations.” Of course, that's easier said than done amid all the excitement, but there are still things you can do to ease the strain on your respiratory system. “If stress is unavoidable, try to maintain a healthy diet and implement some stress reduction maneuvers,” says the therapist. Understanding how the holidays can impact your asthma and allergies, concludes Kallstrom, can go a long way in ensuring you enjoy the season just as much as everyone else. Respiratory Therapists (RTs) are specially trained and licensed respiratory health care professionals assisting physicians in diagnosis, treatment, and management of respiratory diseases. RTs provide care in hospitals, outpatient centers, physicians' offices, skilled nursing facilities, and patients' homes. The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) is a not-for-profit, professional organization, consisting of 37,000 respiratory therapists, physicians, and other health care professionals. AARC is dedicated to assisting persons with respiratory diseases receive safe and effective respiratory care. ### Contact: Beth Binkley Binkley@aarc.org American Association For Respiratory Care 9425 N MacArthur Blvd, Suite 100 , Irving , TX 75063 972-406-4657, 927-243-2272 Tips for an Asthma- and Allergy-Free Holiday Respiratory therapists from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) offer the following tips for an asthma- and allergy-free holiday season: Choose an artificial tree rather than a real tree. Pine and fur trees are known asthma and allergy triggers for many people. Stay away from strong holiday fragrances, such as scented candles. If you have food allergies, be careful about trying new dishes, and don't be afraid to ask what ingredients were used in homemade dishes. Avoid cigarette smoke at all costs. Most people with asthma and allergies are sensitive to smoke. Minimize stress by eating right and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For more information on lung health, visit the AARC's consumer web site, www.yourlunghealth.org .