Blog Post

Caring for a Senior With AllergiesCaring for a Senior With Allergies

  • By Allergic Diagnostic and Treatment Clinic
  • 24 Oct, 2018
If you care for a senior loved one, you know that paying close attention to their health can feel like a full-time job. You may begin to notice all the subtle details that come with growing older, including changes to health.

Worsening allergies are one factor associated with aging. In turn, allergies can impact immune system functioning and other chronic health issues. Knowing this, it makes sense that you want to nip allergies in the bud - preventing them from having long-term effects.

If you are worried about allergies and how they affect your loved one, read this guide. You will learn more about how to address allergies before they become a significant problem.

KNOW THE SIGNS OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Whether your loved one has food allergies or seasonal allergies, pay close attention to the symptoms they experience. Some signs of allergic reaction, like a runny nose or sneezing, are more obvious. On the other hand, others may be more subtle, like swelling of the tongue.

When you notice symptoms becoming more predominant, make sure that you check the levels of allergens in the air before taking your elderly loved one outside.

DISCUSS ALLERGY DIAGNOSES WITH A DOCTOR

Allergies may seem harmless, but they can have an impact on chronic conditions later in life. Additionally, allergies may develop as they age, which leads to undiagnosed allergies that have no prescribed medication or plan for treatment when they coincide with chronic health ailments.

Some conditions, like rhinitis, tend to occur more often with age - often because the structure of the nose can change with aging. Millions of people have rhinitis, many of whom are elderly and deal with allergies daily. Rhinitis is often treated simply by keeping the nasal passage moist, but it may also require additional treatment.

UNDERSTAND MEDICATION SIDE EFFECTS

Certain antihistamines can be dangerous when seniors use them. Some antihistamines can cause urinary issues, dizziness, and confusion. These potential risks mean that you should discuss the use of anti-allergy medications with your doctor. They may have good ideas as to which antihistamines are safe for your loved one to use.

BE AWARE OF FOOD DANGERS

Seasonal allergies aside, food allergies can be deadly and have long-lasting detriments. The most common culprits are fruits, vegetables, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts. Do all you can to eliminate these potential dangers from the dinner table, whether you are a long-term caregiver at home or you are going to a restaurant to eat.

Additionally, you should always be prepared for a bad reaction to food. Anaphylaxis strikes quickly, and you may not have time to call even an emergency number for help. Talk to the doctor ahead of time to discuss the steps you should take if your loved one experiences a food allergy.

MAKE HOME A SAFE HAVEN

Home should always be a safe place for your loved one, but allergies can work their way in regardless. One place to start with your home is to begin keeping shoes and jackets outside or in the garage. Try to change your outside clothes into a fresh outfit when you come home to avoid bringing allergens inside.

Next, consider your current HVAC system. You might need to have it serviced or maintained to ensure that it is not pumping additional allergens into the home.

Are you confused about what you should do next for your loved one? Whether you are a caregiver or you take care of your loved one occasionally, taking steps to prevent allergic reactions now is beneficial. Make an appointment at Allergic Diagnostic & Treatment Clinic to see how we can help you and your loved one fight back against allergies.
By Allergic Diagnostic and Treatment Clinic 24 Oct, 2018
Nearly 25 million Americans have asthma, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This lung condition can make breathing a challenge and cause coughing or wheezing. While scientists haven't found a definitive cause behind asthma, some environmental issues can prompt attacks. If you or a loved one has asthma, take a look at some of the most common asthma triggers.
By Allergic Diagnostic and Treatment Clinic 24 Oct, 2018
Many people live with food allergies. Food allergies result in the body treating normal, otherwise harmless ingredients as invaders they must fight. While most people think of seasonal allergies when they think about allergies, food allergies can result in serious, life-affecting conditions.

The results of food allergies can be devastating, even fatal. Anaphylaxis requires quick treatment and know-how from others in the workplace. For this reason, education about allergies is crucial.

If you have food allergies and are trying to navigate these types of problems in the workplace, then you may need some suggestions. This guide will help you create a plan of action for contending with food allergies at work.
By Allergic Diagnostic and Treatment Clinic 24 Oct, 2018
When you have a family member with severe allergies, you want to do everything that you can to help keep them as healthy and happy as possible. The problem is that when a person is just as allergic to things inside the home as outside the home, it can be difficult to know what to do to help them manage their allergies.

Get to know some of the important facts about managing indoor allergies. Then, you can be sure that you are doing everything you can for your loved one with indoor allergies.
By Allergic Diagnostic and Treatment Clinic 24 Oct, 2018

As many as 40 percent of children in the United States are allergic to something. While most allergies are mild, some can be severe and may prove to be life-threatening. Typically, children develop allergies within their first two years of life. What you do during those vital first few months plays a huge role in allergy development.

Exposing your children to certain substances may even help your child avoid allergic reactions later in life. Following are five ways you can keep your child from developing allergies.

By Allergic Diagnostic and Treatment Clinic 24 Oct, 2018
In the United States alone, about 50 million people have some type of nasal allergy. For a lot of years, the primary form of allergy treatment was through oral medications that counteracted the allergic reactions to certain triggers. However, immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots is now a highly efficient way to treat allergies in adults and children.
By Allergic Diagnostic and Treatment Clinic 24 Oct, 2018
If you plan to move an older loved one into your home, you may worry about keeping their health safe, especially if a doctor recently diagnosed your relative with adult onset asthma. Adult onset asthma (late onset asthma) generally occurs after 50 years of age.
By Allergic Diagnostic and Treatment Clinic 24 Oct, 2018
Pollen allergies can be particularly difficult to deal with since plants--and the pollen they release--are almost everywhere. If you suffer from a pollen allergy, it's important to work with your allergist to find the medications that work best to keep your symptoms under control. However, you also want to do all that you can to reduce your exposure to pollen. Here are some steps to help you accomplish that goal.
By Allergic Diagnostic and Treatment Clinic 24 Oct, 2018
Seasonal and environmental allergies are common, but many individuals develop allergies to common foods and ingredients. While shocking to learn, an estimated 5.9 million children in America have a food allergy. If your child consumes foods they’re allergic to, they could experience digestive issues and skin rashes or anaphylaxis, which is a more dangerous reaction that causes airway constriction and your child's blood pressure to drop.
By Allergic Diagnostic and Treatment Clinic 24 Oct, 2018
Asthma can be caused by a wide variety of things. One thing that can cause asthma is exercise and participating in physical activities. Here are some signs to look for that indicate you have sports induced asthma.
By Allergic Diagnostic and Treatment Clinic 24 Oct, 2018
A common misconception about allergens is that they start from birth. Yet allergies can develop over time, well into adulthood. Food allergies  are especially susceptible to sudden development. Contact can be as severe as ingesting it or even being in a vicinity of the allergen. Symptoms of allergies can include rashes, welts, itching, burning, sudden swelling or constriction of the throat and air passages. In some cases, allergic reactions can cause hospitalization or even death.
Show More
Share by: