Page 81 - Inovacije i izazovi u obrazovanju i sestrinskoj skrbi - KNJIGA SAŽETAKA

INOVACIJE I IZAZOVI U OBRAZOVANJU I SESTRINSKOJ SKRBI - KNJIGA SAŽETAKA

Christmas Tree Syndrome – Case Report

Christmas tree syndrome is a rare clinical manifestation that occurs in certain people at
Christmas time, characterized by pronounced respiratory problems, sneezing and coughing
during the holidays, when there is a natural tree in the house. In a 2011 study, in the journal
Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the identification of more than 50 types of mold
on Christmas tree samples was reported, as well as the information that indoor mold spores
increased from 800 to 5, 000 per cubic meter, 14 days after the conifers were brought into the
household.

Bringing trees indoors and placing them in a warm and dry environment, spores that are
transmitted by air are released and they potentially pose a risk for development of allergy
symptoms, and are especially dangerous for patients who already suffer from asthma.

The purpose of this paper is to familiarize nurses with the rare Christmas tree syndrome through
a case report of a 15 year old patient hospitalized for skin changes in the form of a generalized
rash, sneezing, runny and blocked nose and tearing of the eyes. During allergology processing,
allergies to fungi and their spores were proven, and from the anamnesis, the onset of symptoms
can be seen after bringing a Christmas tree into the living space. After taking the Christmas tree
outside, the symptoms began to withdraw with adequate skin care and the use of therapy and
disappeared completely in a little over a month.

The interventions of the nurses are aimed at educating the patient and parents on the importance
of implementing measures to control environmental factors on the possible development of
syndrome, skin care and proper and regular application of prescribed therapy.

Selecting artificial Christmas tree shows a long–term appropriate solution for both the
environment and health, but with taking all the necessary precautions related to its storage.
Nurses' interventions in working with patients suffering from allergic diseases or have a
recognized risk are aimed on disease prevention and education.

Key words: Christmas tree syndrome, allergy, nurse, nursing care

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