Posted on Jun 11, 2020 in Senior Health
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.
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…
Typical symptoms of seasonal allergies include:
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…
Here are some general tips to ensure your senior loved ones minimize their exposure to 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.
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:
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:
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.