SE Valley Times

Whether your allergies are seasonal or caused by household pets, there’s a reason allergy symptoms can get worse at certain times of the year.

More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (ACAAI). Asthma and allergic diseases like rhinitis, or hay fever, affect all age groups.

“Our philosophy here is to really take a comprehensive approach to make sure that patients are correctly diagnosed in all facets of the disease process that's affecting their quality of life,” Dr. Brian Lee of the Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center told the SE Valley Times. “So we want to make sure that we address and diagnose structural issues, infectious or inflammatory issues, as well as the allergy component of it, because all of those issues contribute to their disease process and the issues that they're having with their nose and their sinuses.”

According to the Harvard Medical School, chronic sinusitis is long-term inflammation of the sinuses. The condition is often linked to the buildup of mucus, which leads to increased sinus pressure and facial pain. In adults, sinusitis can cause nasal swelling due to inhaled dust, mold, pollen or the spores of fungi. Those allergies trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause the inner lining of the nose to swell and block drainage, the Harvard Medical School said.

In the U.S., it’s believed that as many as 30% of people with allergies have reactions to pets such as cats and dogs, according to a report by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Suffering from cat allergies is about twice as common as with dogs. This is amplified by the fact that more than half of the households in America have a dog, cat or both, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

A pet allergy can lead to annoying symptoms that are similar to seasonal allergies, according to the ACAAI. Sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and facial pain due to nasal congestion are common. And, contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a "hypoallergenic pet." Even hairless cats and dogs can trigger allergies. It would be more accurate to say that some people are more allergic to certain dog breeds and less allergic to others. 

If you're interested in evaluating your sinus or allergy symptoms, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.