Springtime in Kansas City has been warmer than usual this year, leading to an early and intense start to allergy season.
According to the Kansas City Star, our city ranked 21st in the country for allergy severity in 2023, making managing allergies even more crucial for seniors.
With the blooming flowers and rising pollen counts, it’s essential to understand how to manage senior allergies effectively in this challenging environment. After all, we want everyone to be able to enjoy themselves outside.
Common Causes and Symptoms of Allergies in Seniors in Kansas City
Have you noticed that your or your loved ones’ allergies are worse during certain times of the year? Seasonal allergies can be particularly challenging, and seniors may experience a range of allergy symptoms, including:
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy eyes
- Dry mouth
These symptoms are often due to allergic rhinitis, which occurs when the body reacts to allergens in the air, such as pollen. Our immune systems also change as we age, and allergies can become more troublesome.
Kansas City’s Seasonal Allergy Sources
Understanding the allergy seasons can help you better manage and prepare for them. Each season brings different types of pollen that can trigger these uncomfortable symptoms:
Spring
Tree pollen is the main culprit for seasonal allergies in the spring. As trees start to bloom, they release large amounts of pollen into the air.
Many people find that their allergic rhinitis is at its worst during this time. Tree pollen levels are highest in early spring and begin to taper off by May. If you notice more sneezing and nasal congestion in the spring, tree pollen is likely the cause.
- Tree Pollen: Peaks in spring; sources include ash, cedar, maple, and walnut.
Summer
Summer brings a different set of challenges for those with seasonal allergies. Grass pollen becomes the primary allergen.
Grass pollen season starts in late spring and continues through June. For many people, this means allergy symptoms like itchy eyes and runny nose continue well into the early summer months.
- Grass Pollen: Dominant in summer; sources include rye, Kentucky bluegrass, and orchard grass.
Fall
As summer ends and fall begins, weed pollen becomes the main trigger for allergic rhinitis. Weeds release pollen starting in August and lasting until November, making fall another challenging season for allergy sufferers. If you experience persistent symptoms as the weather cools down, weed pollen is likely the cause.
- Weed Pollen: Common in fall; sources include mugwort, ragweed, and sagebrush.
Understanding the different allergy seasons in Kansas City can help you take steps to find allergy remedies for seniors.
Treatment Options for Managing Senior Allergies
Before starting any new treatment, older adults must consult their health care providers. Seniors may have other health conditions or take medications that could interact with allergy treatments. For example, some allergy medications can increase blood pressure or cause drowsiness, which might not be suitable for everyone.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Several over-the-counter (OTC) options help relieve allergy symptoms:
- Antihistamines: These can reduce symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Examples include cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin).
- Nasal Sprays: Fluticasone (Flonase) and triamcinolone (Nasacort) help reduce inflammation and nasal congestion.
- Decongestants: Products like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can relieve nasal congestion. These should be used cautiously, especially for people with high blood pressure.
Prescription Treatments
For more severe allergies, a health care provider might recommend prescription medications:
- Stronger Antihistamines: More potent antihistamines are sometimes required to manage symptoms effectively.
- Corticosteroids: These can be prescribed as nasal sprays or oral tablets to reduce inflammation.
- Allergy Shots: Immunotherapy can be an effective long-term solution for severe allergies.
Natural Allergy Remedies for Seniors
Sometimes, the best allergy medicine for seniors can be a natural solution:
- Honey: Local honey is believed to help build immunity to local pollen.
- Herbal Supplements: Butterbur and quercetin are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Saline Nasal Rinses: Using a saline solution to rinse nasal passages can help clear allergens and reduce symptoms.
Practical Tips for Managing Allergies Day-to-Day
Managing allergies involves more than just medication. Here are some practical tips to minimize symptoms:
- Shower after being outside to remove pollen from your hair and skin
- Wear masks when doing outdoor activities to help filter out allergens
- Use air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens
- Check daily pollen levels and stay indoors when counts are high
- Keep windows closed and use air conditioning during high pollen seasons
- Maintain a clean living space
Managing allergies in seniors, especially in a city like Kansas City with high pollen counts, may require a personalized strategy. With the right approach and guidance from health care professionals, seniors can enjoy the beautiful seasons without being overwhelmed by allergic reactions.
Pegasus Landing of Overland Park provides medication management for senior residents. Our caregivers administer medications according to individualized care plans for older adults in assisted living and memory care.
Our community also helps seniors navigate allergy season with the following:
- Assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming
- Housekeeping
- Individual temperature control
- Seasonal chef-prepared meals
- Outdoor and indoor activities
Learn How Our Community Manages Senior Allergies
Staying proactive about allergy management can significantly improve your or a loved one’s quality of life.
Contact Pegasus Landing of Overland Park today to learn more about our comprehensive care and support.