What’s the difference between year-round and seasonal allergies?

If you, like many, suffer from seasonal allergies, you may be sensitive to any changes in air quality. Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are allergic reactions triggered by specific environmental factors that occur during certain times of the year. They are most commonly caused by airborne allergens like pollen, which vary by season. People with seasonal allergies have an immune system that overreacts to these allergens, leading to symptoms like:

Runny or stuffy nose

Itchy or watery eyes

Sneezing

Fatigue

Coughing

Post-nasal drip

COMMON SEASONAL ALLERGIES

SPRING

Tree pollen (e.g., oak, birch, cedar, maple)

SUMMER

Grass pollen (e.g., ryegrass, Timothy grass, Bermuda grass)

FALL

Weed pollen (e.g., ragweed, pigweed, sagebrush)

The severity of seasonal allergies can vary depending on the type and amount of pollen in the air, as well as the person's sensitivity to the allergens. For some, symptoms are mild, while for others, they can be more disruptive to daily life.

Management of seasonal allergies often involves avoiding allergens, using antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, or other treatments, and monitoring pollen counts during high pollen seasons. We’ll also discuss how air purifiers can help combat allergies before they become a problem.

Explore Purifiers

YEAR ROUND ALLERGIES

DUST

Dust allergies are triggered by microscopic particles in dust, especially dust mites.

MOLD

Mold allergies are caused by the immune system's overreaction to mold, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose.

Pet Dander

Animals like cats and dogs shed microscopic flakes of skin called dander, which can trigger allergic reactions in people.

Unlike seasonal allergies, which are triggered by outdoor factors at specific times of the year, year-round allergies manifest due to common indoor allergens found in homes, offices, and other frequently used indoor environments. These persistent allergies can cause symptoms throughout the year. Notably, pets such as cats and dogs are often significant contributors to these reactions, as their dander can be a potent allergen. In addition to pets, other typical year-round allergy triggers include household dust and mold. We understand that maintaining a completely allergen-free environment in every part of a living or working space is easier said than done!

Explore Purifiers

How can a purifier help my allergy symptoms?

An air purifier can be a highly effective tool for helping support seasonal allergies by filtering out the presence of allergens that can trigger allergic reactions.

Filtering out Allergens from the Air +

Seasonal allergies are commonly triggered by allergens such as pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and sometimes pet dander. Air purifiers use various filtration technologies to reduce these allergens from the indoor air.

HEPA filters are among the most effective tools for reducing airborne allergens. They filter 99.9% of particles as small as 0.1 microns, including dust mite debris, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores.

A recent SleepScore Labs study tested the PuroAir purifier and confirmed its effectiveness in improving indoor air quality and reducing allergens, making it a reliable solution for allergy sufferers.²

Studies have shown significant reductions in allergen levels when HEPA filtration is used regularly. (National Library of Medicine)

HEPA Filtration: The most important technology in an air purifier for allergy sufferers is the HEPA filter. HEPA filters are designed to filter out 99.9%* of particles as small as 0.1 microns. This includes most common allergy triggers like pollen, dust, and smoke. Since pollen particles typically range from 10 to 100 microns, they can easily be filtered out by HEPA filters.

Pollen: HEPA filters can help trap pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, which are common culprits during allergy season.
Dust: Dust mites, which thrive in warm, humid conditions, and dust particles that accumulate in the air during spring or fall, are effectively removed by HEPA filtration.

CarbonTech™ Filter: In addition to HEPA filters, PuroAir air purifiers have activated carbon filters that can absorb odors, and some gases. While not primarily designed for allergen removal, activated carbon can help reduce odors associated with pollen, or damp conditions, which may worsen allergies.

Reducing Indoor Allergen Exposure +

Seasonal allergens are often carried into the home on clothes, pets, and through open windows. An air purifier can help reduce the buildup of allergens in your home environment by continuously filtering the air.

Air Circulation: The fan in the air purifier circulates the air in the room, ensuring that allergens are drawn into the filter and cleaned from the air. Most air purifiers have multiple fan speeds that adjust to the level of pollution or allergens detected, ensuring efficient filtration. PuroAir air purifiers also have an auto setting meant to increase fan speed automatically when it senses an increase in particles in the air.

24/7 Air Filtration: Air purifiers work continuously to support clean air by helping filter out allergens even when you’re not aware of them. In allergy season, when pollen levels are high, keeping an air purifier running can help clean the air and filter out the amount of allergens that settle on surfaces like furniture, bedding, and floors.

Indoor vs. Seasonal Allergens:
Indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and cockroach allergens are common triggers. Unlike outdoor allergens—such as tree or grass pollen, which are seasonal—indoor allergens are present all year. They build up on surfaces and in household dust, especially in fabrics and carpets.

What makes indoor allergens tricky is how persistent they are. Dust mites, for instance, thrive in humid environments, while pet dander can stay in the air long after you’ve cleaned. Pollen, on the other hand, typically enters from outside and doesn’t linger indoors in the same way.

The good news is that air filtration can help. Using a HEPA filter can trap most airborne allergens, making a noticeable difference in indoor air quality (Salo et al., 2016).

Maintaining a Cleaner Home or Office Environment +

By filtering out allergens, air purifiers also help keep your indoor environment cleaner. This is particularly helpful for those with seasonal allergies, as allergens often settle on surfaces where they can be stirred up again later.

Helping Reduce Exposure to Common Irritants: By filtering out allergens from the air, air purifiers may help reduce symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and coughing asthma attacks that are often triggered by exposure to pollen or other allergens.

Cleaner Air in Specific Areas: Air purifiers can be placed in key areas such as the bedroom, living room, or home office, providing relief where it’s most needed. Many air purifiers are designed to cover specific room sizes, so choosing the right model for your space will maximize its effectiveness.

Supporting Hygiene Best Practices +

During allergy season, outdoor allergens like pollen can be carried inside, and allergens from one room can spread to others. Air purifiers may help limit cross-contamination by ensuring that the air in each room is filtered efficiently and allergens don’t spread as easily.

Improving Overall Indoor Air Quality +

Seasonal allergens aren’t the only potential irritants in the air. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a significant factor in allergic reactions, and poor IAQ can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Air purifiers improve IAQ by reducing dust, pet dander, smoke, and other pollutants, creating a more comfortable environment for those with allergies.