Unlike hay fever, year-round allergies can be triggered by allergens like dust or pet dander throughout the year. This occurs due to an overreaction in the immune system.
Year-round allergies are referred to as perennial allergic rhinitis.
This article discusses perennial allergic rhinitis symptoms, triggers, testing, and treatment options.
Symptoms
Perennial allergic rhinitis can cause year-round symptoms that may be similar to a cold.
Symptoms can come on after exposure to an allergen. In most cases, symptoms are mild and can be treated. However, in some people, symptoms can be more severe. They can cause sleep problems and interfere with daily life.
Possible signs of perennial allergic rhinitis include:
SneezingRunny noseItchy eyesStuffy noseFatigueItchy skinItchy mouth
Common Allergy Triggers
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) may be caused by pollen or mold spores that may appear seasonally in spring, the end of summer, or fall.
It is also possible environmental factors contribute to the development of allergies. Exposure to dust mites when young or growing up in a home where people smoke may result in allergies.
But perennial allergic rhinitis can be triggered by allergens present throughout the year. This includes:
Pet dander: The saliva, skin, or urine of pets like dogs or cats can be a source of allergens. Touching a pet can expose a person to allergens, as can dust in the house that may also contain pet dander. Dust: This can contain numerous allergens, including dust mites. These microscopic creatures feed on dead skin cells and other things found in household dust. Dust mites live in carpets, mattresses, bedding, and upholstered furniture. Inhaling the excrement from dust mites can cause symptoms of allergic rhinitisMold: Mold is an allergen typically found in wet or moist spaces, like shower curtains and basements. An allergy to mold may be worse when the weather is humid or rainy.
Allergy Tests and Diagnosis
A healthcare provider will first ask questions about symptoms and take a physical exam to diagnose perennial allergic rhinitis or other allergies.
To learn about your symptoms, a healthcare provider will ask when your symptoms occur and if they happen after exposure to pets or other possible allergens.
A healthcare provider may order allergy tests to determine the source of allergies. A skin test is one possible test to determine the cause of allergies.
In some cases, if skin testing isn’t possible, a blood test will be used to detect the presence of an allergic antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) against a particular allergen.
Treatment Options for Managing Allergy Symptoms
There are a number of options available for the management of year-round allergies. These include:
Avoiding exposure to allergensAntihistaminesDecongestantsIntranasal corticosteroid spraysSaline nasal sprayAllergen immunotherapy
Summary
Year-round allergies are referred to as perennial allergic rhinitis. They may cause hay fever or cold-like symptoms, including a runny nose, itchy eyes, and fatigue.
DrowsinessWorsening of asthmaSinusitisMiddle ear infectionsNasal polypsIrritability due to poor sleep
Pet dander, dust, and mold are triggers that may cause symptoms.
A healthcare provider may order tests to determine the source of allergies. Treatment options include avoiding allergens, medications like decongestants, and allergen immunotherapy.
A Word From Verywell
Dealing with allergies can be annoying, especially if your allergies exist year-round. If you are experiencing year-round allergy symptoms, consider reaching out to your healthcare provider. They will be able to help you identify the cause of your allergy symptoms and advise the best treatment options for you.
This can cause the same symptoms as allergic rhinitis, like a runny or blocked nose, but is not triggered by an allergen.
Possible causes of nonallergic rhinitis are infection, environmental triggers, hormonal imbalance, or recreational drug use.
