Allergies and Your Senior Loved One

It’s no secret that millions of people in the United States suffer from some sort of allergies, especially when spring and summer time roll around. Seniors, in particular, feel the effects that pollen and other allergens bring about during warmer weather. Because this year’s winter was warmer than those in the past, an increased amount of allergens is present. If you or somebody you know is aging and is affected by allergies, here are some tips to help survive the “itchy eye” season:

 Keep an Eye Out for Signs – One myth about seniors is that they aren’t as susceptible to allergies like younger people are, when they are actually equally likely to be affected. Contact your local non-medical home care franchise and have them notify your caregiver to be on the lookout for sneezing, watery or itchy eyes and runny noses when caring for your elderly loved one.

Let Your Senior’s Doctor Know – When a doctor is more focused on your senior’s serious health issues, it may be harder for him or her to treat your senior’s allergy symptoms. Let senior’s doctor know that your loved one is suffering from allergies, and that they may not be part of the larger or ongoing sickness associated with your senior.

Be Wary of Antihistamines – Antihistamines are often prescribed for the treatment of many kinds of allergies, but doctors often stay away from prescribing them to the elderly, as they can cause confusion, dizziness and retention of urine. Contact a trusted medical professional to find out some alternatives to antihistamines.

Stay Up-to-Date on Future Treatment Options: There are some exciting treatments on the horizon that are specifically tailored to older Americans, which may be a safer alternative to traditional prescriptions. One such treatment is a steroid inhaler that utilizes an antihistamine, which is applied into the nose, essentially eliminating the dangerous side effects traditional antihistamines present for seniors.

Pay close attention to the health of the senior in your life, and always make sure to contact a doctor before buying medicine if you notice that your elderly loved one is suffering from allergies.