While most seniors believe that the majority of seasonal allergies occur in areas with plenty of vegetation, those who move to California’s desert region are often surprised to learn that their allergies continue here and may even multiply. With spring right around the corner, seniors should take steps now to alleviate any allergy concerns. Allergies in and around Apple Valley, California, usually peak in April as well as in October.
Causes of Allergies & Irritations
Allergies in California’s desert region are due to numerous factors that are not present other places in the country, such as high winds, moderate temperatures, dusty conditions and long growing seasons. In addition, seniors who live in or near golfing communities may find their seasonal allergies magnified by the regular scalping of grass. Seniors who are new to these communities may find that their allergies peak after four to five years of living here. Seniors who never had many allergies as a younger adult may also notice new allergies as they age due to hormonal changes.
Seniors should chat with their family doctors about the best ways to treat their symptoms. Many doctors will recommend over-the-counter medications, such as Claritin or Allegra. Benadryl is another antihistamine that can also work for allergies; however, it causes extreme drowsiness in numerous individuals. Seniors who do not see relief with OTC medications may be prescribed a prescription antihistamine or even an immunotherapy treatment. Whereas antihistamines merely cover up the allergy symptoms, immunotherapy, which is a bit like a vaccination, may begin to cure the problem.
Other possible treatment solutions could include allergy shots, steroids or nasal antihistamine sprays. Allergy shots can be highly effective for some individuals who must have weekly treatments for up to two years followed by maintenance doses. Those who know that they have allergies should be sure to start immunotherapy before the next major allergy season arrives in order to build up some defenses against the upcoming dusty, windy weather.
