Year-Round Allergies
Year-round (perennial) allergies result from exposure to airborne substances, such as house dust.
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 mites, 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.
Usually, perennial allergies cause nasal symptoms (allergic rhinitis) but not eye symptoms (allergic conjunctivitis). However, allergic conjunctivitis can result when certain substances are purposely or inadvertently placed in the eyes. These substances include drugs used to treat eye disorders, cosmetics such as eyeliner and face powder, and hair dye. The cleaning solutions for contact lenses can cause a chemical allergic reaction.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Perennial allergies can cause itching of the nose, roof of the mouth, back of the throat, and eyes. Itching may start gradually or abruptly. The nose runs, producing a clear watery discharge, and may become stuffed up. Sneezing is common. The nose may become chronically stuffy. The eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear and the back of the nose, may become swollen. As a result, hearing can be impaired, especially in children. Some people also have recurring sinus infections (chronic sinusitis) and growths inside the nose (nasal polyps).
When affected, the eyes water and itch. The whites of the eyes and the eyelids may become red and swollen.
Many people who have a perennial allergy also have asthma, caused by the same allergens that contribute to the allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis.
Diagnosis is based on symptoms plus the circumstances under which they occur--that is, in response to certain activities--for example, when petting a cat.
Prevention and Treatment
Avoiding the allergen, if possible, is recommended, thus preventing the development of symptoms. If a person is allergic to house dust, removing items that collect dust, such as knickknacks, magazines, and books, may help. Upholstered furniture can be replaced or vacuumed frequently. Draperies and shades can be replaced with blinds, and carpets can be removed or replaced with throw rugs. Mattresses and pillows can be covered with finely woven fabrics that cannot be penetrated by dust mites and allergen particles. Frequently dusting and wet-mopping rooms may help. Air conditioners can reduce the high indoor humidity that encourages the breeding of dust mites, and high-efficiency air filters can be installed. If a person is allergic to animal dander, the family pet may be limited to certain rooms of the house or, if possible, kept out of the house. Washing the pet weekly can also help.
Drug treatment is similar to that for seasonal allergies.
For people with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps, surgery is sometimes needed to improve sinus drainage and remove infected material or to remove the polyps. Before and after surgery, regularly flushing out the sinuses with a warm water and salt (saline) solution may be helpful. This technique is called sinus irrigation.
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