Seasonal Allergies in the spring and summer can put a damper on the fun.
While the warm weather brings with it a fresh season of beauty, warmth, and sunshine, things like pollen and other common allergens also pop up during this time of year. Seasonal Allergy symptoms don’t discriminate based on age, so seniors are just as likely as their younger counterparts to have to face the symptoms of Seasonal Allergies. When coupled with existing health conditions and symptoms from other health problems, Allergies can often feel especially difficult to deal with for seniors, but there are some ways to try and reduce exposure to allergens and keep Allergy symptoms to a minimum.
Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Everyone who suffers from Seasonal Allergies experiences their own combination of symptoms, and the things they experience can vary from year to year or even from day to day. The following are some common symptoms of Seasonal Allergies that seniors can look out for to signal that they need to start taking steps to address the things that might be causing a problem.
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy Eyes
- Aches and Pains
- Runny or Stuffy Nose
- Itchy Nose
- Itchy Throat
- Watery Eyes
- Fatigue
- Trouble Sleeping
Facing Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal Allergies impact many people in spring and summer, but seniors don’t just have to accept the uncomfortable symptoms. There are steps that can be taken to either reduce exposure to allergens or deal with the problem in a way that will be most effective so that seniors can carry on and not be stifled by Seasonal Allergy symptoms.
- Talk to a Doctor: When it comes to Seasonal Allergies, the symptoms can often resemble other health concerns. Having a doctor check things out can ensure that Allergies are identified and that a plan for dealing with the symptoms in a way that does not interfere with life or with treatments for any other existing health conditions can be made.
- Don’t Just Accept: Many people just resign themselves to the fact that Allergies come around during certain seasons and just decide to wait it out. When it comes to seniors, the more delicate state of health that often comes with age means that the symptoms of Allergies can actually have a more meaningful impact than perhaps they did in younger years. Actually addressing the problem and not just waiting for it to pass is important in order to avoid any potential problems that could result from leaving things alone.
- Reduce Exposure: When it comes to Seasonal Allergies like pollen, one way to prevent significant symptoms is to avoid exposure. Checking the conditions outside can help seniors plan to remain inside when Allergens are high. Keeping windows closed and using an air filter within the home can also help keep allergens out of the house and away from seniors. Wash hands and change clothes after coming back inside to avoid tracking allergens all around the house.
- Determine the Triggers: The allergens that impact each person are different, so seniors and their caregivers should take note of which things create symptoms so that plans can be made to minimize exposure to those things.
- Explore Remedies: For seniors who can’t or don’t want to take medications for Allergies, there is a wealth of information in books and online about the many natural remedies that have the potential to help some individuals with their symptoms. Whether it be consuming certain foods, using topical medications, or any other variety of remedy that feels comfortable there are more options than just taking antihistamines.
When it comes to Seasonal Allergies, always remember that the time of year will pass. It can be frustrating to deal with the symptoms of Seasonal Allergies, or to have to adjust the daily schedule to work around the allergens outside, but the time will come when the air is clearer and things can go back to normal.
