3 Tips for Alleviating Seasonal Allergies

Most seniors look forward to the warmer weather and bright buds of spring. Unfortunately, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 26.4% of adults aged 65 to 74 and 21.7% of adults over 75 experienced symptoms of seasonal allergies in 2021.

Common symptoms of seasonal allergies include:

Congestion
Runny eyes and nose
Coughing
Sneezing
Post nasal drip
Itchy throat, eyes, and nose

Allergies in Older Adults: Tips to Help

While these symptoms can merely irritate younger people, seasonal allergies could be more challenging for seniors. Not only can seasonal allergy symptoms be uncomfortable, but they can also aggravate chronic conditions in older adults, including respiratory diseases and joint pain.

Seniors must properly prepare for allergy season to protect themselves better. Here are three tips older adults can use to help alleviate their seasonal allergies.

1. Reduce Your Exposure to Tree Pollen

Tree pollen counts are at their highest in the spring months, causing seasonal allergy symptoms in seniors who are sensitive to it. The best way to minimize your springtime seasonal allergy symptoms is to avoid tree pollen exposure altogether.

Monitor your local allergen forecasts before stepping outside. If the pollen levels are particularly high, stay inside as much as possible and keep all doors and windows closed.

If you must head out, wash your hands regularly and change your clothes as soon as you get home. Wear a mask while outside to reduce your exposure to pollen.

2. Pre-Treat Allergy Symptoms

Seniors can proactively reduce their symptoms well before allergy season starts. Talk to your doctor about starting an over-the-counter nasal steroid spray regimen or a prescription allergen immunotherapy shot. This helps your body build antibodies that effectively combat allergic reactions.

Prefer a more natural approach? Try saline rinses instead. You can purchase these kits at most pharmacies and supermarkets. Always mix the saline packets with sterile water, including bottled, distilled, or boiled. Only use boiled water after it has cooled to a safe temperature.

3. Eat Nutritious Foods

Allergy symptoms happen as a result of your immune system overreacting to harmless substances. Seniors can make simple lifestyle changes to boost their immune system and reduce their allergy symptoms during the spring.

Some good foods to incorporate more into your daily diet to alleviate symptoms include:

Leafy greens
Ginger
Walnuts
Flax seeds
Salmon
Turmeric
Foods that contain high levels of vitamin C

When to See a Doctor

Book an appointment with your doctor if your seasonal allergy symptoms persist or are bad despite taking over-the-counter or prescription medications. This could be a sign of other health issues.

Helping Seniors Stay Comfortable All Year Long

Visiting Angels of Scranton, PA, provides award-winning care solutions that may help seniors reduce their seasonal allergy symptoms, including dusting, healthy meal planning and preparation, personal grooming, and medication management.

We proudly serve seniors throughout Scranton, Waverly, Pittston, and the surrounding areas of Lackawanna, Wyoming, Luzerne, and Columbia counties.

« Articles & Advice

Visiting Angels SCRANTON, PA