Seasonal allergies are actually something that can strike at different times of the year depending on what your elderly family member is allergic to. Learning how to manage these allergies for her can keep her from suffering every time they flare up.
Be Careful of Over-the-counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications can be effective tools for managing seasonal allergies, but they can also interfere with other medications your senior currently takes. Some antihistamines can also make people dizzy or drowsy, which can leave your senior more susceptible to a fall. Until you have word from your senior’s doctor, it’s better to wait before trying out over-the-counter remedies for seasonal allergies.
Talk to Her Doctor as Soon as Possible
As soon as you notice that your elderly family member is having trouble, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with her doctor. Her doctor can determine what types of allergies she has and how those are likely to affect existing health conditions your senior has. Additional testing might be needed to fully get to the root of the problem. In the event that your elderly family member is actually dealing with something besides seasonal allergies, it’s important to know that sooner rather than later.
Don’t Ignore Allergy Symptoms or Changes in Symptoms
Seasonal allergies can be a problem for many people because they can turn into a sinus infection or other health issue. In your elderly family member’s case, other health issues can make seasonal allergies even more of a problem. If your senior is susceptible to pneumonia, for example, allergy symptoms can quickly change as her lungs become infected. From there, your aging adult would need different treatments because the situation is now markedly different.
Track Allergy Symptoms and Formulate a Plan for Managing Them
It’s a really good idea for you to keep track of all of your senior’s allergy symptoms. Make sure that everyone who helps your elderly family member, such as other family members and elder care providers, know how to track her symptoms for you as well. Work with your senior’s doctor to ensure that you’re doing everything that you can for her. As her allergies change, her plan for managing them may also need to change.
Your senior’s existing allergies can change over time. Even if she never had significant trouble with allergies in the past, she can develop problems. Stay alert for signs of allergies and keep track of what is happening.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Eagan, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
