Allergic symptoms are reactions the body has to foreign substances that are inhaled (airborne), consumed (food), or touched (skin). These substances are called allergens.

Airborne Allergies

Allergic Rhinitis. An allergic reaction to airborne allergens can cause sneezing, congestion, a runny nose, and itchiness in the nose, throat, eyes, and ears. That is why most people mistake allergic rhinitis for a prolonged cold. Allergic rhinitis can be caused by pollen during the spring, summer, and fall and is most commonly known as hay fever. But, it can also be precipitated by dust mites, mold, or animal dander (dead skin flakes). If your allergic symptoms last all year long, then it is likely that you are allergic to one or more of these allergens:

• Pollen. If you suffer from pollen allergies, there's a window of relief in the winter months. In early spring, allergic rhinitis is caused by pollinating trees. During the late spring and early summer, allergic rhinitis is caused by pollinating grasses. In the late summer and early fall months, pollinating ragweed and other weeds are the culprit.
• Dust Mites and Mold. If your allergies last all year, you may be allergic to dust mites or mold. Dust mites are present all year long and are found in large quantities in carpeting and bedding. Molds are parasitic, microscopic fungi whose spores float in the air like pollen. Outdoor mold spores begin to appear after a spring thaw and also in the fall.
• Pets. Those allergic to pets are allergic not to the animal's hair, but to an airborne allergen found in the saliva, dander, or urine of an animal.

Non-allergic Rhinitis. There are various forms of nonallergic rhinitis, which produce year-round symptoms, especially nasal congestion. They can be caused by irritants and weather changes (vasomotor rhinitis and eosinophilic non-allergic rhinitis); excessive use of over-the-counter nasal sprays (rhinitis medicamentosa); sinus or related infections (neutrophilic rhinosinusitis); deviated septum (structural rhinitis); or growths on the mucous membrane (nasal polyps).

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