Springtime brings warmer weather, blooming flowers, and unfortunately, allergies. For seniors, allergy symptoms can be particularly challenging to manage. It also impacts their overall health and well-being. If you're an adult child or family caregiver of a senior relative suffering from springtime allergies, you're in the right place.
In this helpful guide from Senior Helpers Victoria, we'll cover tips on managing symptoms, creating an allergy-friendly home environment, and advising when to seek medical attention if needed.
Identifying Allergy Symptoms in Seniors
Common symptoms of springtime allergies include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy and watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. To ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, consult a doctor when these symptoms arise. Springtime allergies can be triggered by anything from pollen in the air to a strong spring breeze. This makes it a challenge for some seniors to get the fresh air that they need.
Tips for Managing Allergy Symptoms
There are several ways to manage allergy symptoms in seniors, ranging from over-the-counter medications to natural remedies and lifestyle changes. Over-the-counter options include antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids. Always take precautions and consult a healthcare professional before using these medications, as some may have adverse effects on seniors.
Some seniors may prefer natural remedies to alleviate their symptoms. Saline nasal irrigation, quercetin supplements, butterbur extract, and even acupuncture are potential alternatives to consider. However, discuss these options with a doctor as well, especially if your senior loved one is on any medications.
In addition to medication and natural remedies, adopting specific lifestyle changes can help seniors manage their allergies. Staying indoors on high pollen count days, wearing a mask when going outside, showering and changing clothes after being outdoors, and keeping windows closed while using air conditioning can all help reduce exposure to allergens.
Creating an Allergy-Friendly Home Environment
A clean and well-maintained home environment can significantly impact seniors' allergies. Regular cleaning, including vacuuming with a HEPA filter, dusting with a damp cloth, and washing bedding in hot water, can significantly reduce indoor allergens.
Air purifiers and filters can also help create an allergy-friendly home. HEPA filters can trap small particles, such as pollen and pet dander. This will help ensure cleaner air for your senior loved one. Proper maintenance of air filters ensures their effectiveness in reducing allergens.
If allergies are affecting a senior's quality of life, it's essential to seek medical attention. Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, persistent cough or wheezing, and severe sinus pain or pressure are all signs that professional help is needed. Consulting an allergist or geriatrician can provide specialized care, including allergy testing, diagnosis, prescription medications, and immunotherapy options.
Senior Helpers Offers Allergy Support
By recognizing symptoms of springtime allergies, finding suitable treatments, and creating an allergy-friendly home environment, caregivers can help their senior loved ones enjoy a happier and healthier spring season. If you're in Victoria, Hallettsville, Cuero, Yorktown, Edna, Brenham, or San Marcos, Senior Helpers Victoria is here to provide support and assistance in managing springtime allergies through premium in-home senior care. Contact us today to learn more about our senior care services.