ARTIFICIAL trees may be convenient, more cost-efficient — not to mention the fact that they do not shed pine needles and require endless vacuum-cleaning or sweeping as a result — but can anything beat the magic of the real thing?

There is the excitement and ritual of picking your tree and then driving it home, the gorgeous festive scent, and just how wonderful it looks all lit up and decorated.

But, for some of us, real Christmas trees do have a very big downside.

The traditional festive centrepiece is harbouring mould, which could be making you unwell. And the longer your tree is up, the worse you could feel.

FIR REAL?

As many as a third of Brits (35 per cent) suffer from an increase of hay fever-like symptoms at Christmas, with real Christmas trees causing most of the problems, according to a recent poll for Prevalin Allergy.

Dubbed 'Christmas Tree Syndrome', symptoms include itchy nose, watery eyes, wheezing, coughing, chest pains, lethargy and insomnia — and it can even lead to life-threatening pneumonia, in rare serious cases.

Scientists from Upstate Medical University, part of the State University of New York, discovered the condition after they saw an increase in respiratory problems in the weeks leading up to and shortly after December 25.

When they analysed pine needles and bark from 28 Christmas trees, they found 53 cases of mould, which releases spores that can trigger allergic reactions in people who are susceptible.

While the mould is naturally occurring, the process of bringing the tree inside creates the perfect environment for it to grow. Another study found that after two weeks of being on display, the number of airborne mould spores coming from a Christmas tree increases from 800 per 35 cubic-feet to 5,000.

SHOULD WE ALL DITCH THE TREES?

Not everybody will experience symptoms, or any ill effects, when exposed to these mould spores. Like all allergies, the reaction occurs because somebody is personally susceptible, so 'Christmas Tree Syndrome' will only be a problem for those who experience such allergic reactions.

Dr Stephen Liversedge, clinical director for primary care and health improvement at NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "Real Christmas trees are known to trigger reactions in people with allergies, and just being in close proximity to them is enough — you don't even necessarily need to touch them. A runny nose, sneezing, streaming eyes and a rash on the skin are common symptoms."

SO IS FAKE BEST?

This depends. If you are somebody who suffers from allergies, and conditions like hay fever and asthma, then an artificial tree could also potentially trigger symptoms — and as many people with allergies and asthma will know, household dust can be problematic.

Dr Liversedge said: "Anyone with allergies should spray their tree down with water before bringing it into their house, or an even safer bet is to opt for an artificial tree — however, it is also important to wash or shake these outside before putting them in the house, as they may have gathered dust and particles in storage."

Consider how your store your artificial tree when it is not in use — packing it away in a sealed box will mean less dust accumulates. Also, give it a good clean when you get it out of storage — ideally outside or away from the living room, so that you're not simply displacing the dust around the room.

HOW CAN I COMBAT 'CHRISTMAS TREE SYNDROME'?

Spray down your tree before taking it into the house, or after getting it out of storage, can help get rid of some of the mould and spores.

Take care when decorating the tree, or get someone else to do it, as allergens will be disturbed as you move the tree into position and move the branches to hang the baubles and add the lights.

Putting up the tree as late as possible will help minimise the risk.

It may be best for some to opt for an artificial tree, but make sure you give it a clean when you take it out of storage.