If you're about to pick out a live tree or holiday wreath and you suffer from allergies and asthma, you might want to consider the artificial offerings. Although live trees and wreath arrangements offer heavenly pine fragrance, they carry the potential to trigger allergic reactions. Children and family members (and even pets) may not be allergic to the pine needles as much as the dust mites, pollen, molds and other allergens nestled in the tree limbs.

If you suffer from allergies to plants, fragrances or foods, this is the season to be diligent in recognizing - and avoiding - potential triggers. Itchy rashes, sneezing, runny noses, hives, eczema and puffy eyes are just a few of the possible allergic reactions. The allergens found in many live trees may also trigger serious asthma attacks (where your airways tighten). Shortness of breath, tightness in the chest and coughing and wheezing are among the symptoms.

Other holiday allergy triggers may include poinsettia plants, which have a milky sap that may cause contact dermatitis or skin irritation in some people. Poinsettias, the plants with the beautiful red, white or pink leaves, are in the same family of plants that produce natural rubber latex (used to make gloves, balloons, condoms and other products). Research has shown that people who are allergic to latex products may also experience allergic reactions to poinsettias.

Many of the holiday plants used for decorations (including poinsettia, mistletoe and holly) may cause digestive upset if eaten in small quantities. Parents should watch small children and pets to make sure they don't ingest the plants.