Common Allergies You Should Be Aware Of

Allergies are quite common in the older population. When we grow older, our immune system becomes weaker, making us susceptible to several kinds of allergies. Some allergies may show mild reactions, while others show severe reactions, leading to life-threatening conditions. 

Therefore, it is important to understand the types of common allergic reactions that we tend to develop over time. However, this may not be the case for all of us, and the contributing factors can be quite different.

In today’s blog, we’ll learn about the types of common allergies that older people may develop. We’ll also look at the precautionary steps that one can take. By the end of this blog, you will have a brief understanding of various kinds of allergic reactions and what you should do to prevent them.

Table of contents

• What is an allergy?

• Factors causing these allergies

• Types of common allergies

• Preventive measures you should take

• Conclusion

Let’s see them all one by one 

What is an allergy?

You may have noticed that your loved one is allergic to certain kinds of food or medication. This happens when our immune system considers some common food, medication, or object as an intruder. Those foreign substances, or intruders, are completely harmless. However, our body tries to fight them, considering them a germ or a virus. As a result, one develops an allergic reaction.  

Allergic reactions are common in older people. So, it is often recommended to speak to a doctor right away once they develop it. The doctors diagnose the conditions and the severity of the allergies. After the diagnosis, the doctors recommend medication to remedy the reaction. 

Mostly, blood tests and skin tests are used to determine the kind of allergic reaction.

Factors Contributing to the Allergic Reaction

For every individual, the factors contributing to allergic reactions can vary. In this section, we'll take a look at the factors behind allergic reactions. Understanding the causes helps you understand what has been causing the reaction.

Moreover, you can take preventive action against allergic conditions. 

Let’s look at some of the common factors behind allergic conditions.

Weak Immune

As we grow older, our immune system weakens. So, some individuals may have developed allergic reactions since childhood, while others develop over a brief period of time. Sometimes, the immune system of the body has a food intolerance.

For example, you may have seen people with lactose intolerance. The individual is intolerant of the protein being released from the food. This is because the body has difficulty digesting the protein, and thus, they show various symptoms of food allergies.

Symptoms include 

• Red patches, 

• Itchy skin,

• Runny nose,

• Diarrhea, 

• Eye irritation, 

• Stomach cramps 

• Anaphylaxis 

Chronic Illnesses

Sometimes, when a person is diagnosed with a chronic illness, they may have a certain reaction to a food. Chronic illness may cause a certain change in the immune system or may cause cross-connectivity. As a result, our immune system mistakenly considers the particular food an allergen. 

The symptoms again include

• Hives on the skin

• Itching 

• Difficulty breathing 

• Sneezing 

• Wheezing 

• Diarrhea

• Swelling of the face, feet, limbs, and others

• Abdominal pain

• Anaphylaxis

Changes in Lifestyle

Sometimes, our lifestyle contributes to a lot of allergic reactions. It leads to chronic conditions that develop into a certain kind of allergic reaction. One of the main symptoms you may find is inflammation. Sometimes, continuous exposure to allergens also causes severe allergic reactions.

For example, a high diet or a lack of exercise weakens the body’s immune system. It triggers an allergic reaction to certain foods and makes the body more susceptible to allergic reactions.

Leading an unhealthy lifestyle causes inflammation and weakens the immune system, exposing you to various allergic symptoms. 

This includes, 

• Seasonal allergies like the flu

• Hives on the skin

• Itching 

• Difficult breathing 

• Wheezing 

• Chest pain 

• Unconsciousness 

• Anaphylaxis

The symptoms of allergic reactions are more or less the same in every case. 

4 Types of Common Allergies

Seasonal allergies

You may have noticed that your loved one may show a particular type of behavior when exposed to a certain environment. Be it fall, summer, or any other season, when your loved one is around a certain pollen released by trees or grass, they start coughing or sneezing. This is called seasonal allergies. 

Allergy symptoms are

• Sneezing

• Runny nose

• Itchy eyes

• Congestion

• Watery eyes

Preventive Actions to Take

• Stay indoors and avoid particular outdoor activities

• Put on a mask when going outside

• Close the windows and doors when pollen counts are higher

• Wear sunglasses to stop it from entering your eyes

• Wash your hair after going out 

• Take medication as prescribed by doctors

Medication allergies

Is your loved one allergic to certain medications? Don’t worry, many people have allergic reactions to certain kinds of medication. It is important to speak to the doctor and change the medication right away. The reaction may vary from mild to severe, depending on the individual’s conditions. 

The symptoms include

• Skin allergies, like hives

• Itching and redness

• Swelling lips, face, or tongue

• Hoarse throat

• Difficulty breathing

• Wheezing

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Anaphylaxis 

Preventive measures

• Avoid certain medications that cause a certain reaction

• Tell your doctor about the medication and find an alternative

• Get tested for the allergy

Food allergies

In the above section (Factors causing these allergies), we have already discussed that certain foods, like dairy products, nuts, or other foods, cause food allergies. This includes eggs, peanuts, fish, milk, tofu, and so on. Severity of condition varies from mild to severe. 

The symptoms of food allergies include

• Skin hives

• Itchy skin

• Redness

• Difficulty breathing

• Wheezing

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Anaphylaxis 

Preventive measures

• Make a list of foods you are allergic to and avoid eating them

• Check the levels in the packet and see if the ingredients of that particular food are mixed into it

• Check whether the food allergen has come into contact with other foods

• Carry the prescribed medicine 24/7 to avoid danger 

Insect allergies

Certain insects cause allergic reactions, like flies, bee stings, wasps, hornets and so on. When they sting, it causes redness in the skin or fever.

If you come across any insect bites, check for these signs

• Swelling 

• Fever

• Skin hives

• Dizziness

• Anaphylaxis

• Itchiness

• Difficult breathing

• Wheezing 

Preventive measure

• Stay indoors and avoid going out at night in the garden 

• Shut the doors and windows in the evening 

• Wear protective clothes, hats, sunglasses, long sleeves, and so on

• Avoid areas where insects are common

• Carry medicine when needed

In conclusion, 

It is important to be mindful of your surroundings and keep a check on your allergic reaction. Especially with older individuals living alone at home, they need to take protective measures to avoid any life-threatening conditions. Symptoms like anaphylaxis are life-threatening and may cause death.

However, we understand that sometimes caregiving is quite tough. You stay away from your loved one, and your commitment makes it more difficult. However, caregivers offer the best solution to this.

Finding an In Home Caregiver In Silver Spring, MD

If your older loved one is staying away from you, you can also get a caregiver to take care of them. In this way, you can have peace of mind that your loved one is at home alone and are independent to increase their social circle. Get in touch with Comfikare Homecare to get your preferred caregiver. The home care providers help the older individuals in housekeeping, homemaking services, meal preparation, running errands and so on.

Having years of training in caregiving responsibility, the in home caregivers understand the evolving needs and preferences. Therefore, they care for their older loved ones fulfilling their responsibilities with dignity, compassion and care. 

For more information on home care providers, contact us.