Rhinitis Treatment Care

Perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) appears year-round. This condition is most common in people with allergies to allergens that are present all year. Naturally, people who are allergic to house dust mites or to their own pets tend to suffer no matter the season. PAR can have a strong negative impact on patient quality of life. A study of health-related quality of life found that patients with reported more pain, felt less healthy, had poorer mental health and felt less able to function effectively than healthy people.

Causes of Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

The symptoms of a year-round allergy may be more severe in winter, when people spend more time indoors. The most common causes of perennial allergies rhinitis are :

1. dust mites
2. animal dander
3. cockroaches
4. mold

Symptoms of Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

The symptoms of PAR include :

1. runny nose
2. sneezing
3. itching
4. congestion
5. coughing

Tips For Preventing Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

Allergen avoidance is the first line of prevention for PAR. This may mean changing your habits, or even giving away a pet or moving to another house if the symptoms are unbearable and don’t respond to medications. If the allergen is something you can’t completely avoid, like dust mites, here are some steps you can take to make your home a haven:

1. Remove furniture that collects dust (e.g., carpets, draperies, and stuffed chairs).
2. If possible, use central air conditioning during high pollen and mould times.
3. Put special dust mite covers on mattresses.
4. Wash floors frequently with a wet mop.
5. Reduce air humidity with a dehumidifier to maintain indoor humidity around 40% to 45%.
6. Install a high-efficiency air filter called a HEPA filter.
7. Use fungicide (e.g., equal parts household bleach and water) on sinks, shower stalls, vegetable storage areas, and garbage pails.
8. Remove houseplants (a common source of mold).
9. Hot washing of bedding.