Be Aware of Your Allergy Triggers

It’s springtime once again. Unfortunately, along with some of the nicest foliage during the year comes an onslaught of allergens. On that note, let us at Serenity Senior Care just be clear: allergies are not just kids’ stuff. That scratchy throat that your senior loved ones thought was just a cold? That run-down feeling they just can’t shake? And the runny nose which they figured was merely flu? Well, it may have something to do with seasonal allergies.

How Do You Know Your Allergy Triggers?

1. If you have never been exposed to an allergen before, you may need to be tested to see if you are allergic to it.
2. If you have a known allergy, your doctor may be able to use an allergy test to determine what allergies you do have.
3. If your condition does not improve with treatment of the known allergy, then the doctor may recommend that you be tested for other allergies as well.
4. If your known allergies are not the problem, you may need to be tested for other causes of the condition.
5. If you are allergic to foods that have been previously eaten, then if a new food is introduced into the diet, a reaction can occur. An allergy test will determine whether or not this is true.
6. If you are not sure about your food allergy, then an allergy test can be done to determine whether or not you have allergies to any foods.
7. If you do not know what substance is causing the allergy, then an allergy test is needed.
8. If your doctor suspects that there is more than one substance causing the allergy symptoms, he may order a variety of tests depending on the substances he suspects cause the allergic reaction.
9. If you do not know what the substance is that causes your allergic symptoms, an allergy test is still possible.
10. If you have known allergies to multiple substances, then you may have more than one allergy to a particular substance. This may also happen because your body’s immune system produces antibodies to more than one type of allergen at the same time.
    This explains why an allergy test is necessary and also why many different tests may be performed in a person who has suspected allergies.

Like millions of Americans, your elderly loved ones aren’t exempt from troublesome allergy symptoms. But because seniors oftentimes deal with chronic conditions, it can be difficult to manage and treat irritated throats, dewy eyes, and congested noses. Allergy symptoms can also further complicate their health, thus making it important for them to be treated quickly. For these reasons, they might need quality nursing care in New Jersey.

Common Allergy Triggers

1. Grasses
2. Trees
3. Ragweed
4. Alternaria
5. Animal Dander
6. Mold Spores
7. Cockroach droppings
8. Latex paint primers
9. Dust Mites

There are multiple and different allergens that can cause allergy symptoms in your loved ones. The most common culprits usually include pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold, latex, insect stings, medications, and certain foods (e.g., nuts, fish, sweets). As a provider of premier senior care in New Jersey, we recommend that they be aware of what their triggers are so as to ensure non-contact with or experiencing a lesser degree of allergic reaction to them.

There are several types of allergic reactions depending on the symptoms you experience.

The most common type of allergy is what is referred to as “allergic rhinitis” or seasonal allergies. The symptoms are usually a runny nose and watery eyes that last from one to three weeks each year. They are especially prevalent in the Fall and Winter months when pollen counts increase and cause uncomfortable sneezing or a scratchy throat. People who suffer from seasonal allergies are more likely to have hay fever than people with other types of allergies.

Other symptoms include:

1. Wheezing or asthma attacks
2. Swelling and shortness of breath
3. Nausea or vomiting  
4. Itchy skin, hives, or rashes
5. Numbness or tingling in the face, hands, arms and legs  
6. Difficulty breathing at night
7. Weight gain or loss
8. Nails that are brittle or fall out easily (due to low potassium)
9. Fingers and toes that “turn blue” while exposed to cold temperatures
10. Eyes that swell shut, turning red or becoming bloodshot, sensitive to light   (This is a hereditary condition known as Spontaneous Anaphylactic Reactions.)

If your family members seem to suffer from seasonal allergies, we suggest that you encourage them to get tested by an allergy specialist. The specialist can confirm which allergens, if any, are causing symptoms. After identifying the source of their symptoms, your loved ones can also just discuss with the specialist about age-appropriate medications that can help relieve their symptoms. If they require assistance with taking their prescribed medicines, there’s no need for them to worry because our attentive caregivers provide exceptional home care services in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.