May has come and summer is just around the corner. While we attempt to put the human swine flu aside for a while, there is another seasonal affair that affects and interferes with seniors’ way of life and that is the seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Hay fever hits once a year and about 20% of the American population is a sufferer of the said allergy. With a very unmanageable weather we are currently experiencing, there is no way we can predict how dry this summer would be. Apparently, it could be worse than last year’s if it becomes so dry with allergens permeating the air every time you step out of your houses.
Usually, allergens are tiny particles which irritate the respiratory tract leading to uncontrollable sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. These particles can be pollens, molds, dust mites and regular house dust which can cause allergic rhinitis once inhaled. Unfortunately, there is no cure or treatment for allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Only its symptoms can be alleviated by taking anti-histamines which are, more often than not, cannot be prescribed to seniors due to its dangerous side effects. For senior citizen suffering seasonal allergic rhinitis and quite dreading the coming dry months, the only thing you can do is to prevent them from happening.
Like any other seasonal respiratory conditions, it is highly recommended for susceptible people to stay indoors as much as possible. This will help you stay away from pollen-infested air. If you must go out and you know you will be attacked at once, wear face mask and go back in soon after you accomplish your tasks outside.
We know how important exercise is for seniors and according to surveys conducted for older people, it was found out that walking is the number one choice for exercising and socializing at the same time. You can also achieve this without having to sacrifice your health by joining indoor health clubs.
Try to keep a dust-free house for your sake and close windows and doors at all times to prevent outside allergens from coming inside your house; the same goes for your car windows while traveling. Plants encourage molds so don’t keep plants inside your house; instead build a small garden outside and plant them there.
Of course, all these activities will not guarantee us of an allergy-free season; if and when allergens somehow find you, you should consult your health care provider at once. Do not, in any way, try to self-prescribe anything as it can be detrimental to your health. For milder attacks, these things come and go without too much of a fuss but for some, you may require some medical attention to ease the symptoms.
