Sneezing? Congested? Constantly itching red eyes? Blame your parents. “People inherit a genetic predisposition to allergies,” said Dr. Trasad Nataraj, an allergist with Upper Chesapeake Health. Year-round and seasonal reactions to pollen and other allergy triggers are built into our genes.

“If one parent has allergies, there’s a 50 percent chance an offspring will have allergies,” Nataraj said. “If both parents [have allergies], the chances are 70 percent.”

Inflamed sinuses, nasal cavities and airways can take one to 35 or more years to surface, according to Nataraj.

To prevent tissue inflammation, avoid triggers such as pollen, dust, cats or dogs. Stay in during the early morning or late night when pollen peaks, keep windows closed and don’t dry clothing outside. If none of the above is possible, Nataraj suggests taking over-the-counter antihistamines, and washing clothes and showering immediately after spending time around triggers.