Though the majority of people develop their allergies in childhood, others experience allergies for the first time in older adulthood.
Research has shown that roughly 5-10% of patients above 65 years have allergies and that the condition “often persists into older age and can occasionally make its initial appearance in the elderly.”
Are Allergy Symptoms Different for Older People?
Even if you develop allergy symptoms for the first time as a senior citizen, your symptoms will be the same that people of all other ages experience. Common symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- A runny nose
- Itchy throat and/or ears
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Drainage in the sinuses and/or throat
Is It Allergies or Something Else?
One complication of developing allergies later in life is that it can be difficult to distinguish between allergy symptoms and those of other conditions that are common in older people. These include illnesses like upper respiratory viruses, colds, the flu or even something like chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder (COPD).
It can be helpful to write in a journal to keep track of your symptoms and when you experience them to help figure out what may be causing them. For example, if you notice that you experience a runny nose or sneezing after every visit to Stono River County Park, it might be the result of a pollen allergy.
Treating Allergies in Seniors
If you suspect you have developed allergies, make an appointment with an allergist. They will ask you about your symptoms and perform allergy testing to identify your triggers and advise you on your treatment options.
- Avoiding triggers. The easiest way to prevent allergy symptoms is by not coming in contact with your allergens. This may be easier to do with food allergies than allergies to pollen, dust mites or mold. However, you can still reduce your exposure to those triggers by keeping your home clean, using an air purifier, and keeping the windows of your home and car closed.
- Medications. Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays are all available options for helping to manage allergy symptoms. Your allergist may recommend an over-the-counter brand or prescribe stronger medications based on your medical history and the severity of your symptoms.
If allergies are getting in the way of enjoying your golden years, call Charleston ENT & Allergy and schedule an appointment with one of our experts today.