What is Christmas Tree syndrome and why you may have it

If you are feeling under the weather this festive season, it could be due to Christmas Tree syndrome

If you have been experiencing sneezing or a scratchy throat, your first thought might be that you are developing a cold or flu, which is understandable at this time of year. However, the culprit could be something rather unexpected .

Allergy UK , the national charity, has issued a warning about a condition known as Christmas Tree syndrome . According to the charity, while it is not a "formal medical diagnosis", the term describes a "flare-up of allergy symptoms" that can occur when decorating your Christmas tree. Surprisingly, "Christmas trees can stir up irritants which then aggravate existing allergies ."

Symptoms may include:

coughing

sneezing

blocked nose

sore throat

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