Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

Exposed to dust, mold, cockroaches, and more? You may be living with perennial allergic rhinitis. Scroll to find resources and more.

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What Is Perennial Allergic Rhinitis?

Perennial allergic rhinitis is a chronic allergic condition that causes symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and postnasal drip, not just in the spring or fall, but all year long.

While it may be mistaken for frequent colds or sinus infections, perennial allergic rhinitis is a chronic (long-term) immune response, and can severely impact sleep, focus, and quality of life if left untreated.

Symptoms of
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

Symptoms may be worse in certain environments (like at home, in an old building, or near pets) and often feel like a never-ending cold:

CONSTANT SNEEZING

Often in the morning or after cleaning, vacuuming, or being near dust or pets

STUFFY OR RUNNY NOSE

Can switch from side to side or stay blocked all day

POSTNASAL DRIP

Mucus in the back of your throat, leading to coughing or clearing your throat often

CONSTANT SNEEZING

Often in the morning or after cleaning, vacuuming, or being near dust or pets

STUFFY OR RUNNY NOSE

Can switch from side to side or stay blocked all day

POSTNASAL DRIP

Mucus in the back of your throat, leading to coughing or clearing your throat often

Want more information about this condition?

If you’re experiencing symptoms like these for more than a few weeks, especially without fever, it’s time to talk to your doctor about allergies.

Managing Flareups of Asthma

Living with asthma? Our community member, Eriel, knows a thing or two about managing flare-ups or asthma attacks.

Risk Factors
for Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

Here are a few factors that might put you at risk for perennial allergic rhinitis:

Things You Can’t Change:

Family History: Allergies often run in families
Other Allergic Conditions: People with eczema, asthma, or food allergies are more likely to develop allergic rhinitis
Race: Black Americans are more likely to live in housing with high exposure to dust, mold, and other indoor allergens

Things You Can Influence:

Indoor Air Quality: Use air purifiers, vacuum regularly with HEPA filters, and avoid strong fragrances
Allergen Exposure: Limit time in dusty rooms or near known triggers like pets or old carpeting
Consistent Treatment: Daily allergy management is more effective than only treating flare-ups

Managing and Preventing Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

Allergy symptoms don’t have to take over your life. With the right tools, treatment, and habits, you can breathe easier and feel more like yourself.

Medications & Treatment Options

Nasal Sprays: Steroid sprays (like fluticasone) reduce inflammation
Antihistamines: Help relieve sneezing and itching
Decongestants: Short-term use can reduce swelling in nasal passages

Get an Accurate Diagnosis

See a provider who will listen and consider allergy testing (skin test or blood test)
Keep a journal of symptoms; note when, where, and how they appear
Rule out chronic sinus infections or other conditions that mimic allergies

Lifestyle Changes

Wash bedding weekly in hot water
Remove carpet or use HEPA filters if possible
Keep pets out of sleeping areas
Use a humidifier or dehumidifier depending on your climate

Managing Lung Cancer

When found early, lung cancer can be treated more effectively, but Black people are less likely to be offered curative treatments like surgery. Empowering our community with knowledge and advocacy can help close that gap.

Medications

Common types of blood pressure medications include:

Diuretics (“water pills”): Help your body get rid of extra salt and water
ACE inhibitors & ARBs: Help relax your blood vessels
Calcium channel blockers: Help slow your heartbeat and ease vessel tension
Beta blockers: Reduce your heart rate and how hard it works

Everyday Strategies

Reduce Salt: Aim for less than 1,500 mg per day
Manage Stress: Therapy, prayer, breathing exercises, joy

Lifestyle Support

Eat Smart: Whole foods, fruits, veggies, low-fat dairy, whole grains
Move More: 30 minutes of activity most days

Treatment Options

Surgery: To remove tumors when possible
Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
Chemotherapy: Destroys cancer cells throughout the body
Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: Newer options that use the body’s immune system to fight cancer

Managing Side Effects and Recovery

Talk with your care team about fatigue, nausea, or trouble eating
Stay up to date on vaccinations and respiratory infections

Advocating For Yourself

Bring a loved one to appointments to help take notes and ask questions
Seek a second opinion if needed, especially about surgery or clinical studies

What Our Community Needs

We read the online discourse on Prostate cancer and found that our community is looking for:

Ways to combat social stigmas

Deep-seated cultural stigma and masculinity norms within the Black community create significant barriers to discussing prostate cancer, leading many men to avoid preventive care and early treatment.

Solutions to disparities in healthcare access

Black men face significant disparities in prostate cancer care, driven by socioeconomic barriers, systemic healthcare inequities, and a lack of targeted medical interventions.

Better representation in clinical studies

The lack of Black male participation in clinical research, particularly in prostate cancer treatment studies, contributes to gaps in efficacy data, fewer tailored medical advancements, and ongoing mistrust in healthcare solutions.

Ways to combat social stigmas

Deep-seated cultural stigma and masculinity norms within the Black community create significant barriers to discussing prostate cancer, leading many men to avoid preventive care and early treatment.

Solutions to disparities in healthcare access

Black men face significant disparities in prostate cancer care, driven by socioeconomic barriers, systemic healthcare inequities, and a lack of targeted medical interventions.

Better representation in clinical studies

Resources for Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

Many people with perennial allergic rhinitis live active, fulfilling lives. Explore the resources below.

Know The Difference

Learn the key differences between perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis

Manage Clean Air At Home

Explore tips and tools for managing allergens where you live

Find An Allergist Near You

Use this directory to locate providers in your area