allergy season allergy season

Helping Seniors With Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal nasal allergies strain the body: runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, itchy eyes and fatigue are some of the resulting symptoms. Extreme weather swings, particularly in spring and fall, kick up the production of pollen, the fine powder released by flowering plants. Spread by the wind, pollen settles in a person’s skin, nose and lungs and can cause an allergic reaction. Other common nasal allergens include animal dander and dust mites.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 7 million Americans 65 years of age and older suffer with hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis. Allergies can seriously affect seniors because their nose mucus membranes are drier with less elasticity, increasing the risk of chronic nasal congestion. Allergens can spell double trouble for the elderly whose health is already compromised by other conditions like asthma, heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

To help seniors manage nasal allergy season, ensure they check with their doctor about the use of antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays. In older adults, allergy medications may trigger anxiety, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, urinary retention and other side effects.

The following tips can help lessen pollen exposure:

  • Avoid outdoor areas with lots of grass, trees and foliage.
  • Shower or bathe after coming in from outside, and wash hands and change clothes after handling animals.
  • Keep windows closed at night to prevent pollens and molds from drifting inside.
  • When riding in cars, keep windows closed.
  • To keep indoor air clean, use an air conditioner and dehumidifier.
  • Pay attention to local pollen counts by visiting the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Avoid outdoor activity when counts are high.
  • Use a clothes dryer instead of an outdoor clothesline where pollens can collect on damp clothes.
  • Eat healthy. Some studies show foods higher in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., fish, almonds and pumpkin) and probiotics found in many yogurts can lower allergic rhinitis symptoms.

What helps your senior loved one the most with high pollen season?

Author Beth Lueders

An award-winning journalist who has documented stories in nearly 20 countries, Beth Lueders is an author, writer and speaker who frequently reports on diverse topics, including aging and health issues for both U.S. and international corporations.

Share this resource

Latest Resources for Seniors

Featured article

grey haired senior man in blue

Caring for a Loved One With Aphasia

Learn more about aphasia, the limitations it can cause, and how you can help a loved one.
Learn more
A female Right at Home caregiver is helping a senior female client use a tablet.
Protect Against Scams Targeting Seniors
Most older adults don’t expect to fall for a scam, but according to the FBI, scams targeting people age 60 and older caused over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023. That’s an increase of 14% over the previous year. This means people should be more vigilant than ever to protect their assets. Here are tips to help.
Read more
a female Right at Home caregiver helping a senior female client try on winter gloves as they prepare a winter safety kit
Cold-Weather Safety Planning for Seniors
In many parts of the country, colder weather is settling in, and people are preparing for snow, ice, and sleet, common in winter. If you live in the northern part of the U.S., here are tips and a cold-weather safety checklist you can download to ensure you and your older loved one are prepared.
Read more
female right at home caregiver walking hand in hand with female senior client down the sidewalk
Buying Guide: Medical Alert Systems Have Come a Long Way
The U.S. market size of medical alert systems was estimated at $2.28 billion in 2023. There is no shortage of options available. As a consumer, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Here are some key things to consider if you are in the market for a medical alert system.
Read more

Need help right now? Call us anytime at

(877) 697-7537