Could it be dust – or your dachshund?

Persistent rhinitis causes similar symptoms to hayfever but lasts all year. Symptoms are often worse when you wake or stay indoors, and improve in the open air. As with hayfever, your immune system reacts to an allergen breathed into your nose or mouth, leading to histamine release. It’s most commonly caused by an allergy to house dust mites or pet dander. Less often, allergy to wood dust, latex or other chemicals can be to blame. Strong smells, smoke and fumes can also lead to irritation. Your GP can do blood tests, but symptoms and timings normally tell you what you need to know. Antihistamines or steroid nose sprays can help ease symptoms, as can these lifestyle tweaks:  Avoid cigarette smoke and fumes, which can aggravate inflammation in the membranes.  Remove carpets, rugs and soft furnishings that collect dust, and wet-dust or vacuum wooden floors and furniture regularly.

 Dust mites thrive in high humidity. Reduce it by not drying clothes on radiators and airing bedding every morning. Open doors and windows to increase ventilation (unless you also have hayfever).

 Put children’s soft toys in the freezer (in a plastic bag) for 24 hours to kill house dust mites.

 Choose your pet carefully. Opt for less allergenic animals (fish, turtles, reptiles) or, if a dog is non-negotiable, go for hypoallergenic breeds, such as purebred poodles or bichon frises. It may help to keep pets out of the bedroom, wash them regularly and avoid brushing their coats indoors.