Tips for Managing Seasonal Allergies as an Older Adult

With the arrival of spring comes the risk of seasonal allergies and their side effects. Pollen can trigger allergies in people of all ages, but symptoms can worsen with age. Hay fever can be serious for seniors. However, managing allergies can reduce their negative effects. 

Learning allergy symptoms is critical to manage them. As we age, our immune systems weaken. For some, this can mean that allergy symptoms remain unchanged or worsen. Symptoms may include:

• Runny nose

• Watery or itchy eyes

• Sneezing

• Coughing

• Dark circles under the eyes

  
  

While these symptoms may seem harmless enough, they can cause extreme discomfort and complicate treatment of other conditions. Seniors living with dementia may be unable to communicate their discomfort, so knowing the signs is very important.

The amount of pollen in the air can vary from day to day, or even hour to hour, so plan your time outdoors to avoid especially high pollen counts. Many weather services report on the pollen count during the weather forecast in spring, and if it’s not broadcast, you can always find it online.

If you’re not near a television, computer, or smartphone, there are some basic guidelines for how high the pollen count will be: stay inside if the weather is warm and dry, or dry and windy. Pollen count is usually highest from 5am to 10am every day, then falls as the day goes on. The best time for people with spring allergies to be outside is after a heavy rainfall, when pollen is stuck to the ground by moisture. By staying indoors and minimizing your exposure to pollen, you can keep your symptoms manageable.

Sunglasses are a must when going outside to prevent pollen from entering the eyes. Hats are also efficient in keeping pollen away from the eyes. Even with proper attire, avoiding the outdoors during times when pollen levels are high is always going to be more effective than covering up, but if you can’t plan around it, be sure you’re protecting yourself when you go outside.

As with all conditions, from allergies to illnesses, you should always consult your primary care doctor or another healthcare professional about the best approach to handling your health. The treatment most commonly used to treat allergies, antihistamines, are not recommended for seniors as they can interfere with other medications or have more severe side effects than in younger adults. A doctor will be able to determine the best way to manage or treat your allergy symptoms.

Suffering from seasonal allergies can put a rain cloud over the nice spring weather, but by knowing how to manage your symptoms, you can still make the most of the season.

Elder Law of Omaha provides free 30 minute consultation to provide options for people in planning for their potential long-term care needs. If you, a loved one, or a client need help figuring out the available options, please call us today at 402-614-6400 to schedule your consultation or visit our website at www.ElderLawOmaha.com