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'Tis The Season To Sneeze, Sniffle And Itch - Allergists Can Help Holiday Allergy Sufferers

Though spring and summer are considered peak allergy seasons, thousands of Americans suffer from indoor allergies during the winter months, especially around the holidays. A common culprit is a substance called terpene found in the oil or sap of Christmas trees, and evergreen wreaths and garlands. Dust mite allergy is very common, and many people suffer allergic reactions when they take their holiday decorations out of the attic or basement where they've collected several months worth of dust.

Then there are food allergies. Eggs, nuts and mint -- ingredients found in many holiday treats including eggnog, cookies and candy -- also are common food allergens, and allergic reactions to them are common this time of year.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology has several tips for holiday allergy sufferers:

• If you're allergic to terpene, avoid natural Christmas trees and decorations.

• Talk to an allergist to learn about medications that may ease symptoms if you can't avoid all the holiday allergy triggers.

• Consider being vaccinated against holiday and other allergies. Allergy vaccination, also known as immunotherapy, is a safe and effective treatment for people who suffer from a variety of allergic diseases. It works by introducing small amounts of purified substances to which the person is allergic, in increasing amounts over time. There is a form of "rush" vaccination that works very quickly -- in time for the holidays.

More information on vaccination is available in a new brochure created by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology entitled You Can Have a Life Without Allergies. It is available on the ACAAI Web site http://allergy.mcg.edu or by calling 800-842-7777.

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