How can inhaling fumes from a burnt Christmas tree affect your health?

Question

I ask because I recently visited the local mall and a few days earlier, they had a fire in which a giant Christmas tree and plastic decorations burned. The mall was back open, but a whole section was cordoned off, many stores suffered water damage, which left carpets smelling sour, and the odor from the fire was still apparent. The next day after I was there, I developed a sore throat, then a headache and fever. I have tried everything to get rid of the sore throat; gargling, lozenges, tea with lemon and honey. It's been a whole week and it is better but now my eyes are very red with mucous and I am coughing and very hoarse. I went to the doctor, but he didn't think the exposure had anything to do with it; he just prescribed antiobiotics for the throat and eye drops. Your opinions, or professional diagnosis, is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Breathing in burned anything can cause serious lung and even eye problems.

Your Doctor is just plain wrong. I would bet my fortune that the burning chemicals (plastic) are the cause.

See an ear, nose and throat doctor for another opinion.