Helping Senior Manage Seasonal Allergies

Allergies

Allergies are your body’s reaction to normally harmless substances. Common symptoms of allergies include sneezing, running nose, sniffling, watery or itchy eyes. Although you might have never experienced allergies before, it is common for older adults to develop allergies for the first time in their later years. The development of allergies as you age is commonly caused by immunosenescence, which is the aging of your immune system. As we age our immune system degenerates leading allergens to arise which is often referred to as onset allergies. Exposure to new allergens in the environment and family history can also impact the development of these allergies.

Common Allergens

Common foods that cause food allergies in adults are fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat and even fruits and vegetables. Allergic reactions to fruits and vegetables are known as oral allergy syndrome, which develops when the immune system mistakes certain proteins in food with proteins found in pollen. Mold, pollens, and dust mites are all common inhalant allergens. Both food and inhalant allergens can cause mild or severe reactions depending on the amount consumed or inhaled and on the specific individual.

Allergic Reaction Prevention

Although you are not able to prevent the development of your allergies, there are many different things you can do to prevent yourself or a loved one from having an allergic reaction. To prevent reactions from inhalant allergens you must keep your home clean and free of unnecessary clutter. This will decrease the amount of dust present in your home which can irritate your allergies. If you don’t have the ability to clean your home, you can seek out cleaning services or add it to your care plan just specify that it be done with non-toxic or materials you are allergic or sensitive to. You must also avoid known triggers. If you are aware that you are allergic to a certain food or a certain inhalant allergen, try to avoid them by cutting out that food or by staying indoors during high pollen seasons. Keeping food allergens out completely is a great way to avoid mistakenly consuming or cooking with it. If you are unaware of your allergies but have experienced the common symptoms you should keep a diary to track your activities and what you eat. This can help you identify triggers and causes of your allergic symptoms. You can also seek the help of allergists, a healthcare professional that specializes in diagnosis and treatment of allergies, to do an allergy test. Seeking an allergist will allow you to pinpoint your allergy and the possibility of contracting a cleaning service will allow you to keep a clean home regardless of your ability and busy schedule. 

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By: Cindy Birrueta 

Office Support Specialist at WellPath Partners 

Health Care Administration Student, California State University, Long Beach