In this form of allergic rhinitis symptoms are present throughout the year. Excessive sneezing especially in the mornings and evenings, and a very blocked nose are the main complaints. Intense itching of the nasal passages is not a feature of this condition. The majority of sufferers are sensitive to allergens present in the environment throughout the year, e.g. house-dust mites, fungal spores and animals. Patients with this condition often have a typical appearance known as the allergic facies.
Many people have a clear line across the nose known as the allergic salute.
Associated problems are very common and include abnormalities of the teeth and sinuses, ear problems and post-nasal drip. The diagnosis is readily established on the history of the complaint, and skin test or RAST tests. The latter is done on the patients blood and requires a specialised laboratory to analyse results. In the majority of cases house-dust mites or cats or dogs are identified as the causative allergen. Treatment follows essentially the same lines as for hay-fever, except that environmental control is very useful, e.g. a careful mite control programme for the home.