Seen At 11: For Allergy Sufferers, Holidays Are Anything But A Wonderful Time

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Many call the holidays the most wonderful time of the year, but for others, the season is filled with things that trigger allergy attacks.

As CBS2's Alice Gainer explained, there are some simple strategies that can help you avoid missing out on the holiday fun.

At the center of the celebration is the beautiful Christmas tree, but for people such as Lynn Koester, the tree triggers a severe allergic reaction.

"My ears start itching, my eyes run, my nose runs, I wind up with sinusitis; bronchitis," she said.

After a few days the mold on the tree explodes with spores, an artificial tree may be the way to go, but if you insist on the real thing, experts say you can minimize exposure.

"What we recommend is that before you bring it into the house to wash the tree off, to wipe it down with diluted Clorox to get rid of the mold. Sometimes that will help," Dr. David Rosenstreich said.

Nicole Levin's allergies also kick into high gear this time of year. Everything from scented candles and ginger to spiced drinks can cause a sever reaction.

"It's very scary. My tongue swells and it just blocks my breathing," she said.

Her doctor said the first step is identifying the cause of the allergy.

"That way you're prepared if a reaction does occur, and you can take preventative measures too," Dr. Purvi Parikh explained.

Another key measure is taking medication in advance.

"If you know you're going to be somewhere where there may be a problem, you suspect it, you should immediately take an allergy pill and that will go a long way to preventing any allergy attacks," Dr. Rosenstreich added.

Levin said she'll make the best of the holidays by making some adjustments. She also had some advice for others who face the same challenges of the season.

"Try and be positive and do what you have to do to live as normal and healthy as possible," she said.

Experts said if you are prescribed EpiPens or inhalers you should always have them with you. They added that it was important to ask about food ingredients at holiday get-togethers.

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