Springtime brings warmer weather, blooming flowers, and unfortunately, allergies. These things can be especially troublesome for seniors. Caregivers and adult children must understand and manage their elderly loved one's springtime allergies. Unmanaged symptoms may lead to complications and affect their overall well-being. This Senior Helpers guide offers several helpful tips on providing a comfortable and healthy spring season for your senior relatives.
Understand Springtime Allergies in Seniors
Springtime allergies among seniors are often caused by common allergens such as pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust mites. Seniors may experience these symptoms: sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, and wheezing. Be aware that allergy symptoms in seniors may differ from those in younger individuals. Seniors are more susceptible to complications, including worsened asthma, sinus infections, and pneumonia. This is why it is essential to manage allergies effectively for seniors.
Tips for Managing Allergy Symptoms
Consult a Healthcare Professional
The first step in managing allergy symptoms is to consult with a healthcare professional or allergist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Depending on each individual case, the recommended treatment may include over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, or immunotherapy (allergy shots).
Stay Indoors When Pollen is High
To minimize exposure to allergens, encourage your senior loved one to stay indoors on days with high pollen counts. Consider making use of air purifiers and HEPA filters in their living spaces. Keep windows closed while using air conditioning to keep allergens outside.
Keep a Clean Home Environment
Maintaining a clean home environment plays a significant role in managing allergies. Regularly vacuum and dust the living space, wash bedding and curtains frequently, and use allergy-proof mattress and pillow covers to reduce exposure to allergens.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Encouraging a healthy lifestyle is the key to overall health and can help with allergy management. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep help boost their immune system and benefit their overall well-being.
Create an Allergy-Friendly Home Environment
There are other ways to create an allergy-friendly environment for your senior loved one besides keeping a clean home. Opt for hypoallergenic materials for furniture and flooring, and choose surfaces and furnishings that are easy to clean. Air purifiers and humidifiers can help improve indoor air quality. Make sure to keep pets clean and groomed to minimize dander. Consider incorporating allergy-friendly plants into the home to help purify the air. Spider plants or snake plants are a good choice as they add a touch of nature to their living space.
When to Seek Medical Attention
You must know when to seek medical attention for your senior loved one's allergies. If their symptoms worsen or do not improve with over-the-counter medications, it may be necessary to consult a healthcare professional. If they experience difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or any signs of a sinus infection or pneumonia, it is wise to seek medical care immediately. Don't ignore allergy symptoms that interfere with daily activities or sleep, as these can indicate a more serious issue.
Senior Helpers Can Help Manage Allergies in Seniors
Senior Helpers offers a comprehensive list of personalized, in-home senior care services customized to meet the needs of seniors and their families. If you or your senior loved one in Sacramento, Roseville, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Antelope, Rancho Cordova, McClellan, Elverta, Mather, North Highlands, Rio Linda, or Loomis need assistance with managing allergies or other aspects of daily living, contact Senior Helpers Sacramento-Placer County for compassionate and professional in-home care services.