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Holiday Allergy Hacks: Real vs. Fake Christmas Trees & Handling Dusty Decor

If you love decorating for Christmas but hate the sneezing, wheezing, and itchy eyes that sometimes follow, this episode of Allergy Actually is for you.

In this cozy and practical episode, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – break down the biggest allergy triggers hiding in holiday decor. They tackle the age-old debate: Is it better to have a real Christmas tree or an artificial one? They cover everything from hidden mold spores and fragrant natural oils to dusty ornaments and irritating plastic VOCs.

Learn simple, easy-to-implement hacks for keeping your home merry and breathable—like dusting outside and giving yourself permission to skip a year of decorating. This is your essential guide to enjoying the magic without the misery.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:37 Real vs. Artificial Trees: The Central Debate
01:03 The Real Culprit on Christmas Trees (It's Not Pine Pollen!)
02:52 Why Attics & Basements Cause a Reaction
04:18 The Best Way to Dust Decor (A Practical Solution)
05:33 Permission to Skip: Taking the Stress Out of Decorating
06:34 Flocking, Glitter & Clean Air Strategy

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ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Dr. Kara Wada is a quadruple board-certified physician in allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As a Sjogren’s patient and life coach, she combines modern medicine with lifestyle and mindset practices to help patients harness their body's ability to heal.
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AMBER PATTERSON, MD
Dr. Amber Patterson is a world-renowned allergy and immunology expert pioneering the future of immunotherapy. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™ Protocol (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni® ILIT™ Learning Network.
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MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.

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