What is the difference between seasonal and perennial allergies?
Allergic rhinitis is a hypersensitivity of the sinus and nasal mucosal membranes to allergens mediated through IGE antibodies. Allergic rhinitis may be classified as seasonal or perennial. Allergic rhinitis is considered seasonal when the symptoms occur only during specific periods of the year depending upon exposure to pollens. Ragweed, trees, and grasses are the most common sources of seasonal allergens. Allergic rhinitis is considered perennial when the symptoms occur for more than two hours a day for more than nine months. Dust mites, mold, and animal dander represent the most common sources of perennial allergens. Question: Tell me about allergy testing. Answer: The two recommended allergy testing options are serial end point titration, or SET, and radioallergosorbent test or RAST. Both SET and RAST give qualitative and quantitative information about the patient’s response to specific allergens. The RAST test can be ordered by any doctor, but a specialty-trained allergist usually
