Could Your Christmas Tree Be Making You Sneeze?

More than one third of all American households are putting up a Christmas tree in their homes this holiday season.

If families find themselves sneezing with a runny nose and itchy eyes once their tree is up, they just might be allergic to the tree!

According to physicians at American Family Care, even the fake trees can trigger a reaction.

They're trying to raise awareness about what’s called “Christmas Tree Syndrome” so people don’t confuse their symptoms with a common cold and can properly prepare for this holiday tradition.

Respiratory illnesses peak around Christmas, according to research published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Within 2 weeks of putting a tree up, you can experience symptoms due to either the smell of pine resin in “live” trees or various molds found in the trees.

Dr. Raymond Wallace was a special live guest on the CBS 58 News at 4:30 p.m.

His interview is attached to this story.