In-Home Care – 4 Things Seniors Can Do To Manage Allergy Symptoms
Allergy sufferers know that the season of the year can make their allergies worse. But did you know that getting older can affect allergy symptoms too? It’s true. The intensity of allergy symptoms can change as people get older.
Seniors that suffer from seasonal allergies or indoor allergies to dust and pet dander can experience severe symptoms as they get older. The most common allergy symptoms that seniors have are:
- sneezing
- runny nose
- itching
- rashes
- swelling
- asthma
Seniors who are experiencing symptoms that are so severe they can’t breathe or require medical help can usually get prescription medications from their doctor. Prescription allergy medications can have bad interactions with other prescription drugs.
Seniors should always check with their doctor before taking any medications, even over-the-counter allergy medications like nasal sprays or eye drops. If those medications aren’t helping relieve the symptoms or if seniors don’t want to take additional medications they can try these remedies for allergies:
Nasal Irrigation
Nasal irrigation is a painless way to clean out the nasal passages and sinus. By washing allergens out of the nasal passages allergy symptoms will be reduced. Traditionally a neti pot is used to rinse the nasal passages. But neti pots can be difficult to use and to clean. Seniors may want to try a nasal irrigator instead. A nasal irrigator works like a neti pot, but seniors don’t need to bend or twist into odd shapes to use it. It also is easier to use because seniors just have to push a button.
Dusting And Vacuuming Daily
The best way to relieve allergy symptoms is to attack dust and allergens in the air. Indoor air can get stale and full of allergens quickly, especially in the summer. It’s a good idea to dust and vacuum every day, or every other day. Seniors who struggle to do housework can benefit from in-home care. With in-home care to help do household chores like vacuuming, dusting, and mopping seniors will have a much cleaner home with fewer allergens.
Get An Air Purifier
Air purifiers are a fantastic thing for seniors to have. Seniors who have respiratory illnesses or allergies should have an air purifier in any room they spend a lot of time in. Having an air purifier in the bedroom will help seniors sleep better at night. And having one in the living room will reduce allergy symptoms during the day. Look for an air purifier with a HEPA filter for the best air quality.
Run The Air Conditioner
Humidity in the air can make allergy symptoms worse. And it can contribute to the growth of mold and spores that can set off an allergic reaction. An easy way to reduce the humidity inside the home is to run the air conditioner. Seniors can also use a dehumidifier. But in most cases the air conditioner is enough to draw the moisture out of the air.
If you or an aging loved one are considering in-home care in Thomasville, NC, contact the caring professionals at TenderHearted Home Care today. Call us at (704) 612-4132
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