Senior Allergies

Senior Allergies Overview

Allergies are common at every age: about one in four U.S. adults has a diagnosed seasonal allergy (CDC). New allergies can develop in adulthood, including later in life. In older adults, allergy symptoms are easy to mistake for side effects of other health problems or medicines, so it helps to recognize them early.

Perceivable Senior Allergy Symptoms

Many older adults live with chronic lung or heart conditions that can also cause coughing, congestion or shortness of breath, so seasonal allergy symptoms can be mistaken for those illnesses. The symptoms of seasonal allergies themselves are the same as at any other age:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy throat or ear canals
• Watery or itchy eyes
• Ear congestion

Most people live with the misconception that older adults can not develop allergies. Remember that allergies can develop at any age, and so it is completely normal if any of your family members suffer through it at an adult age.

Common Senior Allergens

The first way to prevent seasonal allergy in seniors is to be aware of the common allergens that cause it. The most common triggers to the allergies are pollen, grass, dust, smoke, pine trees, mold, and chlorine.

Watch for patterns: notice which places, seasons or activities bring on symptoms, and share them with a doctor. Identifying the trigger, sometimes with allergy testing, makes it easier to choose the right treatment.

Why Are Allergies More Dangerous For Seniors?

Allergies can affect seniors more because many already have conditions such as asthma, COPD or heart disease that allergy symptoms can worsen. Older adults also tend to take more medicines, which raises the chance of side effects and interactions with allergy treatment.

Older, first-generation antihistamines such as diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth and urinary retention, effects that matter more in older adults; newer antihistamines are less sedating (ACAAI). Oral decongestants can raise blood pressure and heart rate and may not be right for people with heart disease or high blood pressure. Some other medicines, including certain blood pressure drugs, can also cause a stuffy nose. Ask a doctor or pharmacist to review all medicines before starting an allergy treatment.

Overall, the allergy medications and other prescriptions for pre-existing health problems can interact with one another and cause issues which makes it imperative to be highly aware of the symptoms and minimize the exposure to allergens as much as possible. It is also important to consult a professional to opt for the right kind of medications, keeping in mind the existing health of the senior.

Preventative Tips for Senior Allergies

In order to improve the quality of life of your senior, you must be fully equipped with all the important tips that can help manage allergy symptoms. Even if they have allergies, taking them out to bathe in the sun and to practice exercise can help keep them healthy. However, at the same time, you need to ensure that they are safe and comfortable to practice the perfect management strategy for allergies.

• Keep a look at the signs

The first thing to do is watch for all the signs that might indicate allergy in seniors. Make sure to keep an eye on them while they are outdoors, especially during the pollen season. Any signs of runny nose, sneezing, or watery eyes should be immediately attended to.

• Consult a doctor

If your loved one has heart or lung disease, allergy season can make them feel much worse. Ask their doctor or pharmacist which allergy medicine is appropriate rather than reaching for whatever worked for a younger family member. People with dementia or Alzheimer’s may not be able to describe their symptoms, so watch for signs such as rubbing the eyes or nose and check in with their doctor.

• Go for drug-free solutions

Allergy medicines aren’t off-limits for seniors, but they should be chosen with a doctor or pharmacist. Drug-free steps also help: wear sunglasses outdoors, check the pollen count and stay inside on high-pollen days, keep windows closed, and shower after time outside (ACAAI).

• Stay safe at home

While you may presume that staying indoors is the best solution to prevent allergies, several preventative measures need to be taken in order to make your home pollen-free.

• Make sure to remove your shoes, wash your hands and take a shower as soon as you enter the home.
• Keep the windows and doors closed at all times and ensure to keep the windows up when traveling.
• Vacuum your home frequently and thoroughly to eliminate the possibility of dust mites and mold in the house. Deep clean the corners and curtains as well.
• If your home is air-conditioned, ensure that the unit is equipped with a high-efficiency filter and is serviced annually.
• If you own a pet, keep it away from the senior, and if it flares up the allergies, you might have to give it up.

Conclusion

Seasonal allergies can be a huge trouble for senior citizens as they might already be suffering from other health issues. Therefore, the other family members or caretakers need to be observant of their symptoms and ensure that they are kept in a supremely safe environment within their home. 

---

Written by: Madiha Ather Hashmi (October 26, 2021)

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your symptoms and before starting, stopping, or combining any medicine.

Senior Allergy FAQs

Can you develop allergies later in life?

Yes. Allergies can start at any age, including after 65.

Which allergy medicines are best for older adults?

Newer, less sedating antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays are often preferred; older antihistamines can cause drowsiness and confusion (ACAAI). Ask a doctor or pharmacist first.

Are decongestants safe for seniors?

Oral decongestants can raise blood pressure; people with heart disease or hypertension should check with a doctor.

Is it allergies or something else?

Allergies cause itchy eyes and nose and no fever. Fever, aches or worsening breathing need a doctor’s evaluation.