Are watery eyes, sniffles or sneezing stopping you from doing what you love? More than 100 million people across the country experience various types of allergies each year, but many may not know that seniors are at an increased risk for allergic reactions. That’s because the immune system weakens as we age. An estimated 5-10%  of Americans 65+ are living with chronic allergies or experiencing allergic reactions for the first time.

As a doctor caring for seniors, I know firsthand how allergies can adversely affect a patient’s health and well-being. Retirees who are looking forward to gardening, golfing or a variety of other hobbies sometimes find themselves cooped up in the house and frustrated. Even if you don’t have a history of allergic reactions, I caution my patients to be wary of new symptoms, as you can develop allergies later in life. Here are five tips to keep in mind for allergy season, especially for seniors:

1. Pay Attention to New Symptoms. If you've never had allergies before but suddenly develop symptoms like a rash, hives, swollen eyes, or a runny nose, you might assume it’s due to an illness or an existing health condition. However, it’s possible that you’re experiencing an allergic reaction. Discuss any new or unusual symptoms with your doctor to determine the root cause.

2. Be Mindful of Medications. When experiencing allergy symptoms, you might turn to over-the-counter treatments. However, these medications can sometimes interact with prescription drugs, which is especially important for seniors who take multiple medications for chronic conditions. Always consult your doctor before trying new medications.

3. Look Into Treatment Alternatives. Depending on your allergies, natural remedies may help alleviate symptoms and reduce the need for medications. Ask your doctor if alternative treatments might be a good option as part of your allergy management plan.

4. Make Lifestyle Adjustments. Simple changes to your daily routine can help manage allergies more effectively. For seasonal allergies, try keeping windows closed and limiting outdoor activities during high-pollen periods. If you do spend time outdoors during allergy season, remember not to touch your eyes or nose and to change your clothes once back inside. While indoors, using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can help improve air quality. Showers can also help clear sinuses and remove pollen from your skin or hair.

5. Specialty Care. If allergies persist despite medication and lifestyle adjustments, your doctor can direct you to the right specialist for further treatment, which could include things like allergy shots or immunotherapy. Seniors should talk to their doctor to understand the risks and benefits.

As a primary care physician, I cannot overstate the importance of addressing allergies as part of seniors’ overall health and well-being. At CenterWell Senior Primary Care, our care team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and social workers specializes in care for older adults, including patients’ emotional well-being and the lifestyle factors affecting health, such as transportation, access to nutritious food and community resources. Our teams spend extra time with each patient – up to 50% more time than the traditional doctor’s office – to fully understand a senior’s health, from chronic conditions to allergies.

Together, we can get back to doing what we love. Find your nearest CenterWell Senior Primary Care location. 

Related articles: 

• Medication health tips for seniors
• Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies