Learning How To Combat Year-Round Allergies

BY KAYLA BEIRNE

If allergy season for you is all year long, you may have perennial allergic rhinitis. It’s an unlucky diagnosis but one that you can manage.

If you’re constantly battling the sniffles no matter the season, the chances are high that you have perennial allergic rhinitis. That means your allergies are present all year round. Unfortunately, that means you constantly have to cope with some sort of allergen.

The good news is that you can take steps to combat your perennial allergic rhinitis. So if you’re looking for ways to find relief from your constantly nagging allergies, you’re in luck. We’re here to assist you in your journey of learning how to combat year-round allergies.

Common Allergy Symptoms

You’ll need to ensure you aren’t suffering from colds or other viral infections first, so let’s clarify what qualifies as an allergic reaction. Here are the most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis:

Runny or stuffy nose
Frequent sneezing
Watery eyes
Irritated eyes, mouth, or nose
Skin rashes
Headache and fatigue
If you notice these symptoms, ask your doctor to test you for allergies. That way, you’ll know for sure that you have allergies and not some other condition.

Allergy Testing

If you decide to test for allergies, two types of tests are available. Skin testing involves placing tiny amounts of an allergen on your skin and then pricking it. If your skin reacts, it confirms an allergy. Blood testing requires a blood sample. If your blood produces antibodies in response to an allergen, you have an allergy.

Managing Your Allergy Symptoms

Even if you have year-round symptoms, it’s still important to know about seasonal allergies. For example, fall and winter allergies differ from spring and summer allergies and can require different care.

An effective way to manage symptoms is to know your triggers and avoid them. If you’re allergic to cat hair, for example, try to avoid cats. If avoiding your triggers isn’t possible, there are other options. Medications such as decongestants and antihistamines can provide relief. For the most extreme cases, immunotherapy is the way to go. If you can’t tolerate the medication and suffer constant symptoms, consider this route. Immunotherapy involves slowly introducing the allergen to your body to allow it to develop a tolerance. The process requires minute amounts of the allergen to avoid adverse reactions. Over time, you may begin to effectively eliminate your allergies.

There are numerous ways to combat year-round allergies, including staying away from triggers and using over-the-counter medications. If your reactions are extreme, immunotherapy can help you overcome your allergies.