As seniors approach their later years, their natural immune systems can start to decline. This decline in immunity increases the chances of developing allergies. Allergies can be extremely uncomfortable and inconvenient for elderly individuals, making it important to become familiar with what causes them, what their symptoms are, and how they can be treated. Here's a guide to senior allergies, courtesy of Senior Helpers Franklin.
What Causes Allergies in Seniors?
The most common cause of allergies in seniors stems from environmental triggers. These environmental triggers are usually found at home and include things like dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and cleaning chemicals. If going outside among the pollen is a major trigger for your allergies, try to minimize time spent outdoors. In many cases, family members or caregivers can reduce the severity of a senior's allergies by controlling their environment to minimize exposure to these triggers.
Symptoms of Allergies in Seniors
Because of the age-related decline in immunity, seniors are especially prone to experiencing the most severe reactions and symptoms of allergies. Common symptoms among seniors include respiratory problems like congestion, watery eyes, itchy nose, sneezing, coughing, chest tightness or wheezing, and hives or rashes on the skin that may be red or swollen.
If an elderly person regularly experiences any of these symptoms when exposed to allergen triggers, it is important to consult with a doctor for testing and more information about their allergies. If you experience these symptoms on a more infrequent basis, try keeping a log of when the symptoms occur, as well as anything else important to note, such as symptom severity. You can show this record to your doctor and get their insight on what could be going on and if it could be allergy-related.
Treatment of Allergies in Seniors
The best way to treat an allergy is typically to avoid the allergen that triggers it. This can be hard, however, as many common allergens are present in most homes. As an alternative or supplementary treatment, seniors may need medications like antihistamines or nasal sprays. Many over-the-counter allergy medications are available from most drugstores, making it easy to control your allergy symptoms without having to go out of your way.
Still, you should always consult with a doctor before administering any medication. If allergies persist and symptoms worsen, emergency medical attention should be sought immediately by calling 911 or visiting your nearest urgent care clinic.
Senior Helpers Offers In-home Senior Care Services
Allergies are extremely common, especially in seniors. As any of the symptoms listed above can be indicative of a much more severe complication or illness, it is important to know what triggers your allergies and how they can best be treated and managed. Please reach out to our team at Senior Helpers Franklin if you have any questions on senior care-related topics. We're always here to help! We provide premium senior care services to people in and around the Franklin, Brentwood, Nashville, Columbia, and Lewisburg areas. Contact us to learn more about the services our caregivers can provide!