ALLERGIC TO THE HOLIDAYS?
This time of year – THE time to be making fun, festive memories with family and friends – is often times when my son, Ben, is at his asthma worst. In fact, when his symptoms do flare up during this time of the year, I always joke that perhaps he is allergic to the holidays.
The positive side is I’ve become really quick to eye his typical holiday triggers, like smoky fireplaces or holiday décor. But we’re just surrounded by so many “new” things during the holidays that sometimes triggers are overlooked or unknown. And in the past, when Ben was short of breath and I couldn’t figure out why, mama got a little (read: A LOT) stressed out!
I’ve since discovered the main culprits, and have come to grips with the fact that they’re just outside of my control…
PEOPLE.
From the shopping malls to the holiday parties, we’re mingling with more people and more often. And while many of them may be wonderful, many make bad company for those with asthma: people who wear too much cologne or perfume or carry pet dander on their clothes or unknowingly transport pollen on their coat. I realized I simply couldn’t plan for these triggers! So what can I do?
I can always carry our allergy action plan. I can always seek a less crowded area if we’re out and need to execute that plan. And I can avoid sickly-looking people like the plague. Yes, I know he’s not going to have an immediate attack by coming into contact with someone with a cold or the flu, but I know my son well enough to know that his asthma makes his times of sickness only that much more worse. That’s why we CAN always wash our hands or use hand sanitizer when we CAN’T.
All of this prep work and duck and cover activity may sound stressful, but it’s a lot less stress than constantly worrying if and when Ben will have an attack. I mean, let’s face it, this is a stressful time of year anyways… pushing through the shopping crowds, getting from point A to point B in traffic hell, and carting the kids and their hundreds of treats to all of their parties, and ALL on top of the usual daily grind.
And because I don’t have meds to help me to resume breathing after thinking of all of the things I have to do, I’ll share the last thing I know I can do… and that’s to STOP and REMEMBER the reason for the season.
Happy holidays!
Iris
Need more great tips for surviving the holidays? Head over to our Allergies page. Or if you’re in need of an Asthma Action Plan, download your copy on our Resources page.