Airborne seasonal allergies don’t discriminate according to age, but they are more prevalent at a particular time of year, and that time is almost upon us at Beth Abraham Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. As with all conditions that cause discomfort and can fatigue patients or tax their immune systems, we pay special attention to how allergies may be affecting each of our residents.

While the air inside the Center is filtered and therefore cleaner than the outside air, pollen and other such irritants may enter as exterior doors open and close and may ride in on bodies and possessions entering from outside. That being said, we do our best, of course, to reduce patient exposure to allergic irritants.

Because nursing and rehabilitation patients may often be suffering from greater, more complex conditions, it can sometimes be difficult to immediately notice the additional or overlapping symptoms that come with seasonal allergies. As such, it is important that all staff and loved ones pay especially close attention to patient conditions while interacting with them. Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and even low-grade fever are all common symptoms of seasonal allergic irritation.

Although antihistamines (the most common medical treatment for allergies) can sometimes have side effects which may be particularly negative for seniors, the medical staff can determine whether or not their use is necessary in a given situation. Aside from that, minimizing exposure to allergens and frequently washing skin and surfaces to clean dust, pollen, and dander away are the best defenses against suffering from seasonal allergies.