How To Avoid Allergies In Spring

Posted on Jun 11, 2020 in Senior Health

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Spring is here and that spells allergies.

 

As the cold weather fades, new plants and flowers begin to sprout. The trees burst into life again. Hibernating animals poke their heads out of their hiding places. The sun shines in its full glory once again.

 

Then, there’s the downside to spring…

 

All those plants and trees spell pollen. This brings about itchy noses, watery eyes, and scratchy throats, tiresome if you suffer from seasonal allergies. Pollen levels start to climb from mid-March through to the end of April. When the grass pollen period kicks in during the summer, the likelihood of hay fever increases.

 

Also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, we’ll serve up some handy hints today on coping with the congestion and irritation brought about by these troublesome seasonal allergies.

 

And, you’re not alone…

 

A review of allergy statistics shows that 10 to 30% of the global population suffers from seasonal allergies.

 

So, how can you fight back, then?

 

To understand how to combat allergic rhinitis, you need to first understand the symptoms you can expect…

 

Symptoms Of Seasonal Allergies

Typical symptoms of seasonal allergies include:

 

•         Congestion
•         Coughing
•         Fatigue and weakness
•         Itchy eyes and throat
•         Red or dark circles around eyes
•         Runny nose
•         Sleep issues
•         Sneezing
•         Watery eyes

 

These symptoms are often untreated in the elderly. Negligence is reckless, though. As the immune system naturally ages, so allergies pose a greater risk. Some symptoms can trigger more serious conditions like upper respiratory tract, ear, or sinus infections.

 

Allergies can also be dangerous for seniors with cardiovascular diseases. Anaphylaxis is a possible complication too.

 

Now you know what to look out for, here’s how to fight back…

 

Tips To Avoid Seasonal Allergies

Here are some general tips to ensure your senior loved ones minimize their exposure to seasonal allergies:

 

•         Avoid contact with anyone suffering from a common cold
•         Ask someone else to mow the lawn as the grass cuttings are packed with pollen
•         Wear a face mask if they can’t avoid going outside when someone is cutting the grass
•         Avoid hanging their laundry outdoors. Use the tumble dryer instead
•         Wash hands frequently, especially when returning from outside
•         Limit going outdoors when the pollen count starts to climb
•         Always keep their doors and windows closed when the pollen count rises
•         Install an air humidifier inside the house to generally improve indoor air quality
•         Clean the AC filter so it runs efficiently
•         Recognize what triggers their allergies to prevent exposure
•         Check with their doctor if they manifest any telltale signs of seasonal allergies

 

Going out is highly beneficial to everyone’s mental and physical health. It’s even more important for seniors. No one should be deprived of inhaling the fresh air that spring brings.

 

So, grab some UV rays and boost your immune system but take proper precautions if you suffer from seasonal allergies.

 

If you find the symptoms are dragging you down, you could consider trying some OTC solutions. We’ll explore some of those right now.

 

Over-The-Counter Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

There’s no need at all to suffer in silence if you find symptoms of seasonal allergies become unmanageable.

 

You can find a range of effective over-the-counter treatments including:

 

•         Anti-histamines: Antihistamines work well to soothe itchy eyes and runny noses while also providing some relief against the relentless sneezing brought about by hay fever. Loratadine (sold as Claritin and Alavert) are the most popular oral antihistamines. These tablets can make you extremely drowsy so exercise caution.
•         Decongestants: Oral decongestants like Sudafed contain pseudoephedrine. It works by shrinking blood vessels in the nose and providing significant relief if you’re struggling with allergic rhinitis.
•         Nasal sprays: Nasal sprays like cromolyn sodium don’t contain pseudoephedrine and combat allergy symptoms with no serious side effects.
•         Combination medications: Claritin-D and Allegra-D both offer the benefits of both antihistamines and decongestants for a twin-pronged attack on hay fever and other allergies.

 

What To Do In Addition To Trying Medication

If you want to further lessen the chance of your senior loved one suffering from seasonal allergies, here are some more simple pointers to bear in mind:

 

•         Start loading your elderly loved one up with foods laden with vitamin C to boost their immune system. Vitamin C can help combat inflammation and also helps relieve allergy symptoms. Foods rich in vitamin C include apples, cranberries, ginger, flaxseeds, green and leafy vegetables, citrus juice, lemons, oranges, and walnuts
•         Turn on the AC in the car instead of opening the windows to prevent pollen from entering
•         Have your seniors take a quick warm shower after extended periods outdoors to wash away any lingering pollen and other airborne allergens from their skin and hair
•         If it’s not practical to shower, suggest your loved one washes their hands, face, and arms thoroughly then immediately changes into fresh clothing
•         Suggest they wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from pollen and other irritants
•         Always make sure your seniors bring their allergy medication with them when they go out
•         Monitor pollen levels online and plan any possible outdoor activities for your elderly when levels are lowest

 

What To Do Next

As climate change becomes more marked, so does the intensity of pollen season surges higher each year. With much to be done in this area, seasonal allergies are likely to get worse before they get better. Luckily, you can take the simple precautions we outline today and the medication available to fight back.

 

If you have any questions at all about seasonal allergies or anything else, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team here at Landmark Senior Living. We’ll be delighted to help you out in any way we can.