Some people struggle with nasal allergy symptoms only when the pollen count is high. Others may suffer from allergies no matter the season. There are even patients who aren’t allergic to anything but still deal with certain allergy symptoms.
To help understand the different types of nasal allergies or allergy-like issues, we’re breaking down seasonal allergies, perennial allergies, and non-allergic rhinitis.
Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies typically appear during the warmer months as plants continue to grow and bloom. If you develop allergy symptoms between spring and fall, you’re probably allergic to seasonal allergens brought on by pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. Pollen is one of the biggest allergy triggers and shows up in heavy amounts during spring and fall.
Perennial Allergies
Unlike seasonal allergies, patients with perennial allergies can suffer from symptoms all year long. Perennial allergens often include:
- Mold spores
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Cockroach-related debris
Seasonal and Perennial Allergy Symptoms
Patients who suffer from seasonal or perennial allergies often experience symptoms like:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itchy nose
- Increased sneezing
- Congestion
- Excessive mucus in the nose and throat
These symptoms can be frustrating to deal with, even if they are working to protect you from pollutants. When an allergy patient encounters any sort of allergen, it triggers their body’s response to target and remove it. Your eyes remain watery to help capture allergens and flush them out while mucus membranes in your respiratory system work to trap the allergens before getting rid of them.
Your body does not want these allergens around and will fight to keep you clear of them. Unfortunately, whenever your body resists allergens, you develop allergy symptoms.
Non-Allergic Rhinitis
Patients with non-allergic rhinitis typically have inflammation in the nasal passage. They tend to suffer from symptoms that are similar to nasal allergies, struggling with excessive mucus in the sinuses, nose, and throat.
These patients aren’t triggered by typical pollutants. Irritants for non-allergic rhinitis are more difficult to pinpoint, but can include:
- Smoke
- Certain odors
- Air-borne chemicals
- Deviated septum
- Chronic health issues
- Weather changes
When a patient suffering from typical symptoms passes the allergy-testing process with no triggers indicated, doctors will consider the possibility of non-allergic rhinitis.