Seasonal allergies often ease with age, but they don't always disappear, and some people develop new allergies in their 50s, 60s, or later. Allergy symptoms tend to fade because the immune system's response to pollen and other triggers weakens over time. At the same time, a move to a new region, new pets, or new medications can set off allergies a person never had before. For seniors, the bigger concern is often treatment, since some of the most common allergy medicines carry extra risks for older adults.
Why Allergies Often Improve With Age
An allergy is the immune system overreacting to something harmless, like pollen, pet dander, or dust. The body produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E, or IgE, which triggers sneezing, itching, a runny nose, and watery eyes. Levels of IgE and the strength of this response tend to decline with age, which is why many people notice milder hay fever in their later years.
That gentler response is part of a broader change in the immune system that comes with aging. It's usually nothing to worry about on its own, but it's one reason older adults can also be more vulnerable to infections.
Developing Allergies Later in Life
Yes. Adults of any age can develop new allergies, including seasonal allergies, food allergies, and allergies to pets. Moving to a part of the country with different trees and grasses is a common trigger, since the immune system meets pollens it hasn't encountered before. Hormone changes, new medications, and a long period away from an allergen can also play a role. In the South Bend area, spring tree pollen, summer grass pollen, and fall ragweed each bring their own allergy season.
Allergy Symptoms That May Be Something Else
In older adults, symptoms that look like allergies sometimes have another cause. A constantly runny nose without itching or sneezing may be nonallergic rhinitis, which is common with age. Chronic congestion can come from a sinus infection, and a lingering cough or wheezing may point to asthma, COPD, or heart failure. Watery eyes can be caused by dry eye. Any new or worsening symptoms are worth checking with a doctor, especially if they come with fever, shortness of breath, or facial pain.
Benadryl Side Effects in the Elderly
Older antihistamines like diphenhydramine, sold as Benadryl and found in many nighttime cold and sleep products, can cause drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, and trouble urinating in older adults. They also raise the risk of falls. Geriatric experts generally advise older adults to avoid diphenhydramine and similar drugs, and some research has linked long-term use of this type of medication to a higher risk of dementia.
Safer Allergy Treatment Options for Seniors
Newer antihistamines, including loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine, cause much less drowsiness and are usually better choices for older adults, though cetirizine can still make some people sleepy. Steroid nasal sprays are effective for nasal symptoms and have few whole-body side effects. Saline nasal rinses and lubricating eye drops relieve symptoms without medication. Decongestants like pseudoephedrine can raise blood pressure and heart rate, so seniors with heart disease or high blood pressure should ask their doctor before using them.
Because many seniors take several medications, it's a good idea to check with a pharmacist before starting any new allergy product.
Simple Ways to Reduce Allergy Symptoms at Home
On high-pollen days, keep windows closed and run the air conditioning with a clean filter. Shower and change clothes after time outdoors, and wash bedding weekly in hot water. A HEPA air purifier in the bedroom can reduce indoor allergens, and keeping pets out of the bedroom helps for anyone allergic to dander.
Help at Home in South Bend
Keeping the house clean, bedding washed, and medications straight during allergy season is a lot to manage. Senior Helpers South Bend companion care caregivers help with light housekeeping, laundry, meals, and medication reminders, and chronic disease care supports seniors managing asthma, COPD, and other ongoing conditions. Contact Senior Helpers South Bend to learn more.