Year-round Allergies

General Information on Year-round Allergies

Year-round allergies, also known as perennial allergies, are a result of exposure to airborne substances such as dust in the house. Perennial allergies can occur any time of the year and are unrelated to seasonal allergies. House dust may contain mold and fungal spores, pet dander, dust mites, and insect particles. These substances are present in the home year round but may cause symptoms to become more severe during the winter months when more time is spent indoors. Typically perennial allergies cause nasal symptoms but not eye symptoms.

Symptoms of Year-round Allergies

Symptoms may include:

Runny nose
Stuffy nose
Sneezing
Itching of the nose, roof of the mouth, back of the throat, and eyes
Recurring sinus infections
Growths inside of the nose (nasal polyps)

Treatments For Year-round Allergies

The best way to prevent symptoms is to avoid the allergen. If a person is allergic to household dust, removing the dust collecting items may help. Carpets and furniture should be vacuumed thoroughly on a regular basis. Mattresses and pillows can be covered with fabrics that cannot be penetrated by dust mites or other allergens. Dusting and mopping can also be helpful. If a person is allergic to pet dander, the pet may have to be kept outside or limited to certain parts of the house. Bathing the animal weekly can also help. Regularly flushing out the sinuses with a saline solution may help. For people with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps, surgery is sometimes needed.

Personal Experience

Year-round Allergies - personal experiences