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...the voice of pensioners

Seasonal allergies in the elderly?

03 Nov 2017

Nobody is exempt from seasonal allergies. However, seniors often have complicating factors such as chronic diseases that make it more difficult to treat them. This is what you should do:

1. Look for the signs. It is usually thought that the elderly do not suffer from seasonal allergies. That is not true. The elderly can get seasonal allergies and its symptoms are just the same: sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes.

2. Your doctor needs to know. Doctors usually find it hard to identify allergies in older people, so make sure you let your doctor know if you think that you might have got seasonal allergies.

3. Get treatment as soon as possible. Seasonal allergies have a big impact on the health of the elderly. That is why allergies have to be treated as rapidly as possible.

4. Do not be surprised if you are not prescribed traditional antihistamines. This class of drugs can be dangerous for the elderly as some side effects from these medications include confusions, drowsiness, urinary retention, dry mouth and eyes, and dizziness. Because of that, you will probably be prescribed a nasal steroid or topical medication. Remember that you must follow your doctor’s instructions.

In conclusion, the elderly can get seasonal allergies too but it is important to bear in mind that the way of treating it probably needs to be different. If you start feeling the symptoms, visit your doctor as soon as possible. Remember that the sooner it is treated, the less chances of having complications.