Perennial allergic rhinitis is achronic allergiccondition that causes nasal congestion and a runny nose.
Unlike other types of allergies, it doesn’t go awayduring certain seasonsor months of the year.
You may feel like you have a permanent cold that won’t go away.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
The other most common causes are cats and dogs.
This article will describe symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis and how common it is.
It will also discuss how this condition is diagnosed and treated.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
How Common Is Perennial Allergic Rhinitis?
Some research suggests that up to 23% of the population experiences perennial allergic rhinitis.
During childhood, people with penises are more likely than people with vaginas to experience perennial allergic rhinitis.
During adulthood, this pattern reverses.
Perennial allergic rhinitis is associated with other conditions as well.
Asthma is one of the most common.
Symptoms of Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
Nasal inflammation is the the most common symptom of perennial allergic rhinitis.
With perennial allergic rhinitis, symptoms can occur year-round.
Diagnosis
Perennial allergic rhinitis can be diagnosed by a primary care healthcare provider or an allergist.
Your healthcare provider will talk to you about your medical history and the symptoms you are experiencing.
They will ask if you’ve noticed anything specific that triggers your symptoms.
Your physical exam will include an examination of your ears, nose, and throat.
A humidifier may also be beneficial in helping with congestion.
Is There a Cure for Perennial Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergy shots can cure some perennial allergic rhinitis.
Many people who take allergy shots have improved symptoms even if their allergic rhinitis is not completely cured.
Over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle changes can also help to control your symptoms long-term.
Over-the-counter (OTC)antihistaminesare the most common medications used to treat nasal allergies.
These work by blocking histamine, a chemical your body releases in response to an allergen.
Histamines are responsible for causing allergy symptoms.
Non-sedating antihistamines are usually preferred because they’re less likely to make you drowsy.
Inform them of any medication allergies you might have.
Other medications may also be used to control symptoms.
Many of these medications are available OTC and may include decongestants and nasal sprays.
Avoiding daily use of decongestants is the best way to avoid this.
Oral corticosteroids and/or antibiotics can be used to treat chronic sinusitis.
In general, studies show this treatment to be beneficial and cost-effective.
Allergy shots are generally not used for young children because the frequent injections can be emotionally distressing.
Drops can be customized for each person but aren’t FDA-approved.
Summary
Perennial allergic rhinitis causes typical allergy symptoms like nasal congestion and a runny nose.
Occupational allergic rhinitis (OAR) is the term for allergies because of substances in specific workplaces.
Common causes of OAR include
such as grains, wood dust, chemicals, or lab animals.
Each person may have a different response to different antihistamines.
The best one for you is the one that most effectively reduces your symptoms without causing side effects.
Antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) are known to cause drowsiness.
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