Seasonal allergies are a result of pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. Millions of Americans are affected by summertime allergies and the elderly are not exempt. In fact, allergies in the elderly are more complicated because of other health conditions, medications, and a weaker immune system. Senior care will play an important role in helping the elderly cope with summertime allergies.
What causes allergies?
When pollen attaches to the mucous membranes in our nasal or bronchial passages, the immune cells of the membranes release histamine. The body then tries to rid itself of the histamine through sneezing, coughing, sore throat, watery eyes, and a runny or stuffy nose.
Senior care services can help make allergy season bearable in the following ways:
- Know what signs to look for – Sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, etc. are the traditional signs of allergies.
- Avoid traditional antihistamines – Antihistamines are commonly prescribed to treat allergies but can be potentially harmful to seniors. Antihistamines could cause dangerous interactions with prescribed medications and have an effect on mood or behavior in the elderly. Other side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Confusion
- Urinary retention
- Dryness of the eyes
- Drowsiness
- Consult with the doctor – Many times doctors are so focused on larger health issues in an older person that they don’t always make an allergy diagnosis on their own. If you are noticing the signs associated with summer allergies in an elderly individual, contact the doctor and bring it to their attention.
- Take allergies seriously – Certain symptoms of allergies can be dangerous to a senior with specific pre-existing conditions. Congestion and an irritated throat can be extremely problematic for a senior with cardiovascular problems. Senior care servicesshould be aggressive about getting an elder diagnosed and treated.
- Medication management – Once the doctor has diagnosed an elder with allergies, senior care will need to remind the senior to take the prescribed medication as directed. Typically, for allergies in seniors, the doctor will prescribe a nasal steroid or form of topical medication.
- Be careful with certain activities – Many seniors like to plant flowers. Plan a garden using plants and flowers that rely on insects instead of the wind to take care of pollination. Mulch and wood chips, commonly used in gardens, are not always allergy friendly. They can trap moisture providing the perfect environment for mold. Using gravel or oyster shells are a better option.
While summer is a great time for getting out in the fresh air, some extra care may be necessary to keep allergies at bay. With careful planning and the right senior care, there is no reason why the elderly can’t enjoy the benefits of summer.
For more information about how the caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare can help your aging parents remain living independently in their own homes, call 858-454-9339. We are an elder agency providing quality and affordable senior care in Pacific Beach CA, and the surrounding communities.
Today we are the oldest and most experienced private duty agency in San Diego County.She saw a need for quality private duty home health care and she worked diligently to build an agency that filled that need.I am proud to say, her vision is carried on today with our dedicated staff.
I believe our tenure in the community speaks well for us.We have had the opportunity to be of service to countless interesting individuals, including local and worldwide celebrities.It is the people we care for that makes this a fascinating industry.Whether high profile or a more ordinary citizen, we are proud that thousands have entrusted us with their care or the care of their loved ones.Our Mission is to provide high quality, very secure and the most compassionate home health care.We believe that patients heal faster and are happiest when they can stay in their homes.”
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