ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A warning from doctors: Freshly cut Christmas trees can trigger allergies.

Allergy specialists say live trees brought indoors can be a source of mold or pollen that can be problematic for people with allergies.

Mold can release spores into the air and trigger allergic symptoms that include wheezing, watery eyes, headaches and runny nose.

"If you have a lot of symptoms and your really feel strongly about having a real tree in your home you can try taking an over-the-counter antihistamine," said Dr. Mahta Mortezavi, Rochester Regional Health Allergy Specialist. "There are a number of great non-prescription options that last 24 hours and will not make you drowsy. You can talk to your local pharmacist about that and there are also over-the-counter nasal sprays that can help with that."

Another option if someone is mold sensitive is to consider an artificial Christmas tree, but be sure to store the tree properly to avoid dust that can also cause trigger allergies.