Aging and Allergies: How Immunotherapy Can Reduce Dependence on Medications for Seniors

Allergies don’t fade with age—in fact, they can persist or even worsen as you grow older. Approximately 20% of adults over 50 report experiencing allergy symptoms, from sneezing and congestion to itchy eyes and respiratory discomfort.

For seniors, allergies aren’t just an annoyance; they can significantly impact quality of life, disrupting sleep, limiting physical activity, and even exacerbating other health conditions like asthma or cardiovascular issues.

The CDC chart below shows the percentage of adults with a diagnosed seasonal allergy, eczema, food allergy, or any allergic condition:

Managing allergies becomes even more challenging when combined with the complexities of aging. Seniors often rely on daily medications to control symptoms, but these can lead to side effects, interactions with other drugs, or diminished effectiveness over time. Fortunately, allergy immunotherapy (AIT) offers a promising alternative that addresses the root causes of allergies and reduces dependence on daily medications.

Challenges of Managing Allergies in Older Adults

For seniors, allergies can interfere with daily life in unexpected ways. Chronic symptoms like nasal congestion, coughing, and watery eyes can make simple activities—like gardening, spending time outdoors, or even sleeping—difficult. Furthermore, untreated allergies can worsen existing health problems, including high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and respiratory issues.

Traditional allergy treatments such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids come with their own risks for seniors:

• Antihistamines: Older drugs like diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness, confusion, and increase fall risks. Newer, non-drowsy options may still interact with other medications.
• Decongestants: Medications like pseudoephedrine can raise blood pressure, making them unsuitable for those with cardiovascular conditions.
• Nasal corticosteroids: While effective, prolonged use can cause nasal irritation and even increase eye pressure, potentially affecting vision.

For those over 50, these challenges highlight the need for a long-term solution that minimizes risks while improving overall quality of life.

How Allergy Immunotherapy Works

Unlike traditional medications that only address symptoms, allergy immunotherapy (AIT) targets the root cause of allergies. It works by gradually introducing small, controlled doses of allergens—such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander—to your immune system. Over time, this exposure builds tolerance and reduces the body’s overreaction to these triggers.

Immunotherapy can be administered in two ways:

• Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): Injections delivered at an allergist’s office over several years, proven to provide long-term relief.
• Sublingual Immunotherapy (Allergy Drops or Tablets): A convenient at-home option involving drops or tablets placed under the tongue, ideal for seniors with mobility challenges or difficulty traveling to clinics.

Why Seniors Should Consider Immunotherapy

1. Reduced Dependence on Medications

For seniors managing multiple health conditions, reducing the number of daily medications is a significant benefit. Immunotherapy can decrease reliance on antihistamines, decongestants, and other allergy drugs, simplifying your overall healthcare routine and reducing the risk of side effects or drug interactions.

2. Improved Quality of Life

Chronic allergy symptoms can be debilitating, interfering with your ability to enjoy everyday activities. By addressing allergies at their source, immunotherapy provides lasting relief, allowing you to embrace hobbies like gardening, traveling, or spending time with grandchildren without worrying about constant sneezing or congestion.

3. Better Sleep and Mental Well-Being

Allergies are notorious for disrupting sleep, which can negatively affect mood, cognitive function, and overall health. By reducing symptoms, immunotherapy helps improve sleep patterns, which in turn can boost mental clarity and emotional resilience.

4. Lower Risk of Complications

Reducing dependence on allergy medications minimizes side effects like drowsiness, confusion, and elevated blood pressure. This is particularly important for older adults, as these issues can contribute to falls, accidents, or other complications.

How to Get Started with Immunotherapy

If you’re considering allergy immunotherapy, here’s what to keep in mind:

Consult an Allergist

Your allergist will perform tests to identify specific allergens triggering your symptoms. They’ll create a tailored treatment plan based on your medical history and individual needs.

Plan for a Long-Term Commitment

Immunotherapy isn’t a quick fix. Subcutaneous immunotherapy requires regular office visits for injections, while sublingual options can be taken at home. Most treatments last three to five years, but many patients begin noticing improvements within the first year.

Monitor for Side Effects

Side effects are generally mild, such as redness or swelling at the injection site or slight itching under the tongue for sublingual drops. However, report any unusual symptoms to your allergist immediately.

Evaluate Your Overall Health

Seniors with chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders should consult their primary care provider before starting immunotherapy. Adjustments to other medications may be necessary to ensure compatibility.

Costs and Coverage

The cost of allergy immunotherapy varies based on the type of treatment and duration. Subcutaneous immunotherapy typically requires more clinic visits, while sublingual options can be more convenient but may have higher upfront costs. Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover immunotherapy, but you should verify coverage details with your provider.

A Path to Lasting Relief

Allergy immunotherapy offers seniors a long-term solution to managing allergy symptoms, reducing medication dependence, and improving overall quality of life. By addressing allergies at their source, this treatment can help you enjoy the activities you love without the constant disruption of sneezing, congestion, or itching.

If allergies are interfering with your daily life, now is the time to take action. Consult with an allergist to explore whether immunotherapy is right for you and start your journey toward better health and well-being.

Impact of Allergies on Older Adults in Long-Term Care Facilities

Allergies in older adults living in long-term care facilities can pose unique challenges for the affected individuals and the caregivers responsible for their well-being. Chronic allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, itchy eyes, coughing, and respiratory irritation can exacerbate pre-existing health conditions, complicating both aging and caregiving.

For residents with chronic illnesses such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes, untreated allergies can worsen these conditions. For example, respiratory allergies can increase the likelihood of asthma flare-ups or complicate heart health due to the added strain on the body.

Additionally, seniors with allergies often experience disrupted sleep, which can lead to fatigue, weakened immunity, and a decline in mental clarity, all of which impact their overall quality of life.

From a caregiving perspective, managing allergies, in addition to other health issues, can strain staff resources in long-term care settings. Administering daily medications for allergies adds to the complexity of care routines, and the side effects of these medications—such as drowsiness or confusion from antihistamines—can heighten fall risks or other safety concerns.

The quality of care and staff in long-term care facilities can vary, as do in-home caregivers. If your loved one's caregiver or long-term care facility is not meeting the needs of your loved one, find one that will.

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Allergies can also contribute to emotional and social challenges for residents. Symptoms may limit participation in group activities, further isolating individuals who are already at risk of loneliness and depression.

Addressing allergies proactively—through treatments like immunotherapy or ensuring allergen-free environments—can improve not only the physical health of older adults but also their emotional well-being, making caregiving less demanding and more effective.