Perennial Allergy

Pet dander is a common cause of perennial allergies.

A perennial allergy, or perennial allergic rhinitis, can happen any time of the year and is a result of exposure to airborne substances. When a perennial allergic reaction occurs, the body's immune system overresponds to harmless substances in the form of an allergic response. Indoor particles, such as dust mites, pet dander, mold or bits of insects, trigger perennial allergy symptoms.

Symptoms of Perennial Allergies

Perennial allergies can cause symptoms such as sneezing, postnasal drip, headaches, fatigue and sore throat. Moreover, allergy sufferers may experience itchy eyes, ears, mouth, throat or face. Even the short-term loss of hearing, smell and taste are symptomatic of perennial allergies.

Diagnosis

A doctor or allergist will perform a physical examination as well as skin test to determine the source of the allergy. There are three types of skin tests: a skin prick test, an intradermal test and a skin patch test.

A blood test can also be used to diagnose the allergen source. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, EIA) is the most common blood test. It measures the level of immunoglobulin E the body makes in response to allergens, according to WebMD.

Treatment and Medications

Many types of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications are available to treat allergies. Antihistamines, corticosteroids, decongestants, leukotreine modifiers (anti-inflammatory drug) and cromones (nasal spray or eye drops) are the most widely used methods of treatment.

Immunotherapy (allergy shots) is another way to improve perennial allergic rhinitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This treatment consists of regular injections of an allergen with each dose larger than the previous. As a result, the immune system acclimates to the allergen and eventually no longer reacts to it.

Alternative Medicine

There is no clinical proof that alternative medicines work to relieve symptoms of perennial allergies. However, there are several popular methods used by people who wish to avoid conventional medications. Chinese herbs, homeopathy, herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, saline nasal washes and acupuncture are all widely used alternative therapies.

Lifestyle

Allergen avoidance is the best defense against perennial allergies. Effective ways to keep an allergen-free indoor environment include washing curtains and blinds frequently, vacuuming and maintaining clean air filters. It's also a good idea to use hypoallergenic pillow and mattress covers and keep pet flea treatments up to date.

References

• Merck: Year-Round Allergies (Perennial Allergies)
• Hello Life: Perennial Allergies: How to Protect Yourself
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Allergic Rhinitis

Resources

• Web MD: All About Allergy Tests