Lisa Peake – FLORIDA TODAY
Q: Since retiring to Florida, my allergies are terrible! What gives?
A: Living in Florida means sunshine, warm breezes and (often)—seasonal allergies. That layer of yellow dust in January and February? Pine pollen. Those little things collecting in the street gutter? Oak pollen tassels. Florida’s mild climate guarantees that something is in bloom almost constantly. And that goes double for allergies. For seniors, allergies can be more than a nuisance; they can affect sleep, breathing, and overall quality of life.
Allergies can develop or reappear at any age –even as late as one’s 60s or 70s. As we age, our immune systems change. Some people find their allergies lessen over time, while others experience new or persistent symptoms. Common Florida triggers include oak, pine, ragweed, grasses, and mold spores—especially during humid or rainy periods.
Typical symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, post nasal drip, and fatigue. Sounds like a cold, right? If symptoms last longer than 14 days (or occur around the same time each year) the likely culprit is allergies.
Unfortunately, for seniors with chronic lung or heart conditions, allergies can exacerbate underlying issues. If they trigger wheezing, shortness of breath, or worsen existing asthma or COPD, seek medical attention promptly.
To decrease your risk of exposure…
- Monitor pollen counts. Pollen.com offers daily forecasts by zip code. On high-pollen days, limit outdoor activity—especially in the early morning when pollen is highest.
- Keep windows closed. As tempting as fresh air can be, air conditioning with clean filters helps reduce indoor allergens.
- To avoid mold, keep indoor humidity below 50-60% by running the air conditioning or using dehumidifiers.
- Shower and change clothes after being outdoors. Pollen can cling to clothing and hair.
- Consider a HEPA air purifier. These devices can significantly improve indoor air quality.
- Use a pleated filter for your home air conditioner. They last 3X longer than fiberglass filters and trap more small particles.
- Wash bedding and bathroom linens weekly to reduce pollen and dust mites.
For symptoms
- Over-the-counter allergy medications can be helpful—but antihistamines can cause drowsiness, dizziness and confusion. Side effects may increase the risk of falls in seniors or interact with commonly prescribed medications.
- Saline nasal sprays or rinses are often a safe, drug-free option to relieve congestion and flush out allergens.
- Always check with your pharmacist or physician before adding OTC products to your medication regimen.
Don’t let seasonal allergies keep you from enjoying Florida’s beautiful climate. Attend the Allergy Arsenal with Advent Health March 27 at One Senior Place in Altamonte Springs. RSVP to OneSeniorPlace.com/events.
Lisa Peake is a Registered Nurse, Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Care Manager for One Senior Place Care Management, Viera. Ms. Peake hosts a monthly seminar, ‘Senior Health Friday with Nurse Lisa.’ One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
