Seasonal allergic rhinitis occurs during pollen seasons in the spring, summer, and fall. Perennial allergic rhinitis has the same hay fever symptoms but it continues year-round and is caused by molds, dust mites, feathers, and animal dander. Congestion and headache are common and the condition can be aggravated by fumes, odors, temperature and atmospheric changes, smoke, and other irritants. Although allergies and colds have similar symptoms, there are some signs that differentiate the two. Mucous secretions are clear and runny.
Sneezes occur in rapid, multiple sequence.
Symptoms last longer than the typical duration of a cold, which is usually 7 to 10 days. A Force to be Reckoned With As you drive down the highway in late summer or early fall, past wildflowers, grasses and weeds, it may not occur to you that lurking among the vegetation may be the most potent and widespread cause of allergy symptoms. Ragweed, a tall, branched plant, is found throughout the lower 48 states on dry fields, pastures, roadsides, and construction sites. A native of North America, it also grows on every other continent except Antarctica. Ragweed pollen is so small, it can enter your home through tiny cracks.