Allergies and Seniors
Anyone that suffers from allergies knows that the beauty of spring is often overshadowed by itchy, watery eyes, running or stuffy noses, congestion, and constant sneezing. While the symptoms of allergies may vary from person to person, one thing is clear: Seniors tend to suffer a little bit more than most.
How Allergies Affect Seniors
The health of seniors may already be diminished from complicating factors. Things like a weakened immune system, chronic diseases, and other factors play a huge role in the health of seniors. So, having an allergy is not only a nuisance, but could also serve to further hinder the health of seniors.
Allergies begin with the blooming of plants. The plants have pollen that serves as a means for reproduction. The pollen is transported by the wind, insects, animals, and birds. When the weather gets nicer outside, people tend to spend more time outdoors. With all the plants blooming and releasing pollen, people tend to breathe the pollen in and it can cause irritation. Mostly, allergies are just uncomfortable to live with, but sometimes, especially in the case of seniors, this irritation could lead to more serious illnesses. Sinus infections, ear infections, and even upper respiratory infections could all be a result of something as small as a pollen allergy.
Common Symptoms of Allergies
- Wheezing
- Congestion – Particularly in the nasal cavity
- Itchy throat
- Itchy eyes
- Runny nose
- Coughing – Especially if one has asthma
Managing and Treating Allergies
One of the best tips when it comes to allergies is simply to get ahead of the pollen season. Do this by speaking with your doctor and discussing what kinds of medication could possibly help reduce or eliminate your symptoms. If you know what month or time of year is typically the worst for you, then make sure that you’re taking your medication before the symptoms arise. You can even talk to your doctor about allergy shots. These shots can help your body build up a resistance to pollen.
You can look up the current pollen count in your area for a real-time look at how bad pollen levels are in your area. This can help you properly plan any outings you may be considering. But, keep in mind that while the pollen count could be low, a certain pollen in the air could affect you more than other types of pollen. Talking with a professional allergist can help you possibly identify which type of pollen you’re more susceptible to.
Other Useful Tips
When the pollen count rises, it may be better to just avoid the outdoors. While this is only a temporary solution, it could be beneficial on particularly high pollen days. Getting an air filter in your home can help prevent pollen from getting into your home. Then, once acquired, regularly changing the filter in the machine to ensure proper filtration. The also holds true with any appliance that brings air inside. Air conditioners, heaters, etc.
Reducing stirring pollen into the air can also help. Mowing the lawn, for example, can release a significant amount of pollen that can cause an adverse reaction. If you enjoy the old-world technique of drying your clothes in the sun, you may be inadvertently adding more pollen to your life than you want. Washing your hands frequently not only cuts down on germs that can cause sickness, but can also cut down on the possibility of putting pollen in your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Conclusion
Allergies are a nuisance, and can potentially be a serious health hazard. Speaking with your doctor can be the first step to enjoying life a little more without pollen attacking your senses. It’s very important to take steps to limit how allergies affects you, especially as you age.
Bonaventure Senior Living
At Bonaventure Senior Living, we have Retirement Perfected, Living Perfected, and Dining Perfected. The best way to see for yourself is to Book-A-Tour today and discover how you can live life on your own terms. We specialize in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, that way, no matter what your current situation is, we have all levels of care covered if your needs ever change.
Independent Living
With Independent Living, we want you to enjoy Simplified Living, allowing you to have the freedom to do what makes you happy. Our Independent Living is designed to accommodate the exceptional senior lifestyle that you’ve earned. What’s even better, is that with Independent Living we offer whatever supportive services that you may need at any time you may need them. Now that’s Retirement Perfected.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living at Bonaventure Senior Living is simple: all the lifestyle benefits of our Independent Living, but with any extra support that you may need. Our philosophy is based on three simple things: choice, independence, and dignity. Now that’s Assisted Living at its finest.
Memory Care
Every senior is a unique person, and our Memory Care approach is no different. We tailor our Memory Care by connecting with family members and taking time to understand each person’s specific circumstances. This includes mental, emotional, and physical health. Our Memory Care creates an honorable and professional plan to make sure that each person lives their life to the fullest. That’s the way Memory Care should be.
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