Perennial Rhinitis Symptoms

Rhinitis is a standard term used for hay fever. With many people, this common allergic response to a given allergen is seasonal, finding its peak during spring, summer or fall. But for others, it's a condition that lasts throughout the year, seeing no real reprieve with the change in weather. When someone suffers from this type of allergy, known medically as perennial allergic rhinitis, he faces the same symptoms as a person with the seasonal form, just with more consistency.

Congestion

As soon as a person with perennial rhinitis is exposed to an allergen, she experiences congestion, which may remain in the sinuses or produce a clear, runny discharge from the nasal passages, and can also be accompanied by pain or pressure within the sinuses as well as a disruption in the senses of smell and taste. After the allergen is removed or medication is used, the symptoms connected to congestion will soon dissipate.

Sneezing

Perennial rhinitis often involves the symptom of sneezing, the body's natural reaction to an allergen. When exposed to an allergen, microscopic particles become lodged within the nasal cavity. To remove them, the body propels air from the lungs into the nose, forcing some of the irritants to be driven out, commonly resulting in another sneeze.

Discomfort

For many people, perennial rhinitis means discomfort that comes in the form of an itchy sensation, causing watery eyes or sneezing.The itch may also manifest in the back of the throat or the roof of the mouth. No matter where it occurs, this itch is the body's immune response, sending histamine to help rid the area of the allergen.

Cough

Though not as prevalent as the other symptoms, perennial rhinitis can prompt coughing. Much like a sneeze, coughing is a natural reflex of the body to rid the area of allergens and irritants. When an individual is exposed to an allergen, microscopic particles are inhaled and lodged in the bronchial airways, causing a cough.

Skin Discoloration

Because of perennial rhinitis, some people can develop a skin discoloration under the eyes, which becomes almost bruise-like after exposure to the allergen.

Sleep Disruption

Sufferers from perennial rhinitis (especially that which is undiagnosed and untreated) can experience sleep disruptions due to the common symptoms of the condition, like coughing and sneezing, which can often keep a person awake through the night; fatigue and irritability are often the result.