Rhinitis, commonly referred to as hay fever, is another common condition brought on by allergic triggers. Affecting more than 15 percent of Americans— adults and children alike—rhinitis can be either seasonal or year-round (perennial). Rhinitis in conjunction with asthma can worsen asthma’s effects and complicate its management.
Symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis occur in spring, summer and/or early fall and are usually caused by allergic sensitivity to pollens from trees, grasses or weeds, or to airborne mold spores.
Other people experience symptoms year-round, a condition called “perennial allergic rhinitis.” It’s generally caused by sensitivity to house dust, house dust mites, animal danders and/or mold spores. Underlying or hidden food allergies are considered a possible cause of perennial nasal symptoms.
Some people may experience both types of rhinities, with perennial symptoms worsening during specific pollen seasons.