Year-round allergies

[Mary Mallozziberg]

Year-round (perennial) allergies result from indoor exposure to airborne substances (such as house dust) that are present throughout the year.

The nose is congested, itchy, and sometimes runny, and the mouth and throat are itchy.
The symptoms and activities that trigger the allergy usually suggest the diagnosis.
Avoiding the allergen is best, but drugs, such as antihistamines, can help relieve symptoms.

(See also Overview of Allergic Reactions.)
Perennial allergies may occur at any time of year—unrelated to the season—or may last year-round. Perennial allergies are often a reaction to house dust. House dust may contain mold and fungal spores, fibers of fabric, animal dander, dust mite droppings, and bits of insects. Substances in and on cockroaches are often the cause of allergic symptoms. These substances are present in houses year-round but may cause more severe symptoms during the cold months when more time is spent indoors. (Substances that trigger an allergic reaction are called allergens.)
Usually, perennial allergies cause nasal symptoms (allergic rhinitis) but not eye symptoms (allergic conjunctivitis). However, allergic conjunctivitis can result when allergens are inadvertently rubbed into the eyes. The cleaning solutions for contact lenses can also sometimes cause an allergic reaction.
Perennial rhinitis is often caused by something other than an allergy, such as aspirin or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or another form of rhinitis.