Itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, a scratchy throat. Yes, it’s spring allergy time again. And, you’re not imagining things if you’ve noticed your elderly parent’s allergies getting worse every year. Experts say that pollen counts are climbing every year. They’re calling it the “pollen vortex” and it could be the cause of your mom’s allergy woes.

What is the Pollen Vortex?

Around 10 percent of people aged 65 to 74 and 8 percent of people 75 and older experience seasonal allergies. The most common cause of seasonal allergies is pollen from grasses. Ragweed, tree pollen, and other weeds can also trigger allergies.

According to a study that appeared in The Lancet Planetary Health, pollen counts have been on the rise for a couple of decades. They determined this by collecting data during pollen season from 17 locations across the globe over a 20-year span. The data showed an uptick in pollen over the course of the study. Experts say it seems to coincide with the changing climate. Pollen is appearing earlier in the season and hanging around for longer.

How Can You Manage Seasonal Allergies?

If your older family member suffers from seasonal allergies, there are many things you can do to help them cope with the uncomfortable symptoms. Some tips for dealing with allergies are:

• Over the Counter Meds: There are several non-prescription allergy medications available that can ease symptoms. However, before using them, it’s important that you talk to the senior’s doctor to make certain the medicine won’t interfere with other drugs they are taking or be a problem because of a medical condition. If the doctor does approve using an allergy medicine, the senior should take it as directed, but use it before allergy symptoms start when the pollen count is high.
• Avoid Triggers: Pay attention to the pollen count and plan indoor activities for days that are particularly bad. Keep the windows closed. Use air conditioning or fans to cool the house. After going outside, the older adult should change clothes since pollen can cling to them.
• Manage Indoor Air: In addition to keeping windows closed when the pollen count is high, use HEPA filters in heaters and air conditioners. Vacuum often using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Run a dehumidifier to keep air inside from being too humid.

Senior care can also help your older family member to cope with seasonal allergies. Senior care providers can keep the house vacuumed and dusted to minimize pollen inside the home. A senior care provider can also remind the older adult to use allergy medications. When pollen counts are high, senior care providers can do indoor activities with your loved one to keep them occupied and avoid boredom.

Sources
https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/allergies-getting-worse-blame-the-pollen-vortex.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/in-depth/seasonal-allergies/art-20048343
https://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/0517/8-tips-for-surviving-a-horrible-allergy-season.aspx

If you are considering senior care in Roanoke, VA for an aging loved one, please talk to the caring staff at Acti-Kare of Blue Ridge. Call 888-451-5273. Our office provides senior care and home care services in the following locations including Blue Ridge, Lynchburg, Salem, Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake, and Bedford in Virginia.