Arizona offers numerous benefits for seniors thanks to its dry climate, mostly moderate temperatures, and beautiful landscapes. However, it is also known for allergens and pollen that can trigger spring allergies in many people, including seniors. Learn more about seasonal allergies in Arizona and use our spring allergy tips for seniors to reduce their severity.
What Are the Most Common Spring Allergies in Arizona?
Breezy days are quite common in Arizona’s dry climate, which makes it much easier for spring allergies and pollen to move around. Some of the most common spring allergies are:
- Ragweed
- Soy
- Cottonwood
- Various types of grass
- Mulberry trees
- Ash trees
- Oak trees
- Olive trees
- Mesquite trees
- Spring-blooming flowers
How Does Arizona’s Climate Impact Seasonal Allergies for Seniors?
Spring allergies for seniors occur when the body’s immune systems trigger a response to pollen and other allergens. Some typical bodily responses include:
- Congestion
- Headaches
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Scratchy throat
Some people can also have more severe responses, such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Rashes
- Hives
What Are Some Practical Tips for Managing Spring Allergies for Seniors?
Some practical tips for managing spring allergies for seniors include:
- Check the pollen count before leaving home
- Keep doors and windows closed
- Vacuum, dust, and clean weekly
- Wash sheets weekly
- Use an air purifier
- Wear a face mask when outdoors
- Change HVAC filters regularly
- Use an over-the-counter or prescription allergy medication after consulting with your healthcare provider
How Can Seniors Reduce Their Exposure to Pollen and Other Allergens?
Seniors can reduce their exposure to pollen and other allergens by:
- Limiting their time outdoors
- Wearing a face mask
- Changing clothes after spending time outdoors
- Washing hands frequently
Some seniors find showering also helps after spending time outdoors to remove pollen and allergens from their hair. Additionally, getting an allergy test from your primary care physician to find out what you are allergic to can make it easier to manage your allergies.
What Are the Best Times of Day for Seniors To Be Outside During Allergy Season?
Pollen and allergen levels will be the highest shortly after sunrise, throughout the early afternoon, and around sunset. Pollen and allergens tend to be much lower in the late afternoon and evenings after sunset. So, the best time of day to be outdoors is either in the late afternoon before sunset or, at night, an hour or so after sunset.
Are There Natural Remedies for Seniors To Alleviate Allergy Symptoms?
There are various natural remedies seniors can try to help alleviate their allergy symptoms, such as:
- Air purifiers
- Neti pots
- Saline sprays
- Steam inhalation using eucalyptus or peppermint essential oils
- Stinging nettle or chamomile tea
- Vitamin C and D
- Acupuncture
- Dietary changes
How Does Air Quality in Arizona Affect Allergies in the Spring?
Air quality in Arizona during the spring is usually relatively poor because of the dry climate and breezy conditions combined with high pollen and allergen counts. Dust is also a common issue in the spring and can further irritate allergies.
What Dietary Changes Can Help Seniors Manage Their Allergies?
Spring allergy tips for seniors include making some dietary changes to see if they help reduce their allergy symptoms. This includes:
- Drink green tea: Green tea has natural antihistamines that can help reduce allergy symptoms.
- Avoid spicy foods: Spicy (hot) foods can trigger many of the same symptoms as allergies and worsen existing allergy symptoms.
- Eat more Omega-3 fatty acids: Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, beans, flaxseed, herring, tuna, edamame, mackerel, walnuts, and sardines.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables with antioxidants: Incorporate berries, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, citrus fruits, nuts, leafy greens, and broccoli into your diet.
- Eat more fiber or use a supplement: Berries, apples, avocado, broccoli, carrots, asparagus, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds are fiber-rich foods that can help manage allergy symptoms.
- Use anti-inflammatory spices: Garlic, turmeric, and ginger all have anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve allergy symptoms.
Should Seniors With Allergies Consider Using Air Purifiers in Their Homes?
Seniors should use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove allergens, pollen, pet dander, and other irritants from indoor air. Air purifiers improve indoor air quality and make it easier to breathe while reducing allergy symptoms.
How Can Seniors Differentiate Between Allergies and Other Respiratory Issues?
Allergies and respiratory issues can share some similar symptoms that can make it difficult for seniors to differentiate between the two, like:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Scratchy throat
- Congestion
- Headaches
According to the American Lung Association, some key things to look for that indicate a respiratory condition or other illness are:
- Fever
- Body aches
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Loss of taste
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Green or yellow mucus
These symptoms are common in colds, respiratory infections, the flu, and COVID-19. You can still have mucus with allergies, but it is usually clear.
Are There Specific Warning Signs That Allergies Are Becoming a More Serious Health Issue for Seniors?
Allergies can weaken the immune system and make seniors more vulnerable to serious health issues. Seniors with COPD or asthma can also have worsening symptoms due to their allergies. Other signs to watch for are:
- New symptoms
- Current symptoms worsening
- Allergy medications are not working
- A fever develops
- It becomes difficult to breathe
- Digestive issues
- Fatigue
- Unexplained body aches and pains
If you notice these signs, see your primary care physician as soon as possible.
What Role Does Hydration Play in Managing Spring Allergies?
Proper hydration keeps mucus thinner and makes it easier for the body to expel pollen and other allergens while reducing the severity of symptoms.
What Preventative Measures Should Seniors Take Before Allergy Season Starts?
Some preventative measures seniors should take include:
- Changing HVAC filters
- Getting an air purifier
- Having face masks to wear when outdoors
- Seeing their primary care physician for allergy testing and allergy medication
- Doing a detailed spring cleaning of their home
Can Exercise Help or Worsen Allergy Symptoms for Seniors?
Exercise can help improve spring allergies for seniors since it:
- Increases blood flood to help push allergens out of the body
- Strengthens the body and immune system
- Reduces inflammation and irritation caused by allergies
What Types of Plants or Trees in Arizona Are Major Contributors To Spring Allergies?
- Ragweed
- Soy
- Cottonwood
- Various types of grass
- Mulberry trees
- Ash trees
- Oak trees
- Olive trees
- Mesquite trees
- Spring-blooming flowers
Discover the Best Arizona Assisted Living Communities Today
Are you looking for assisted living in Arizona? Maybe you are considering moving to assisted living. At Heaven Health, we have several Arizona assisted living communities that promote independent living. We also have Arizona nursing homes for seniors who require extra assistance, care, and supervision. Contact us today for further information about our Arizona assisted living communities and nursing homes or to schedule a tour.
Sources:
Arizona Plant Allergy Guide: Common Symptoms & Treatment. (2023).
Does Water Intake Reduce Allergies? Practical Hydration Tips. (2024).