Allergies Don’t Retire

Allergies are often thought of as something that starts in childhood and fades with age. But that is not always how it works.

Adults can develop allergies at any age, including in their 60s and 70s, according to the Cleveland Clinic. In some cases, mild allergies that have been present for years can become more noticeable with age.

Part of the reason may be a process researchers call “inflamm-aging,” a gradual rise in low-level inflammation that occurs as the body gets older. That can leave the immune system more likely to overreact to things such as pollen, dust, or mold.

Other age-related changes can also make symptoms feel worse. Nasal passages may become thinner and drier, which can make congestion, irritation, and sneezing more uncomfortable.

Seasonal changes add another layer. Ragweed, one of the biggest late-summer allergy triggers, usually begins releasing pollen in August. Longer pollen seasons in many areas can also keep symptoms lingering for longer into the year.

Older adults should also be careful about how they treat allergies.

Some older antihistamines, especially diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, can cause drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, and an increased risk of falls. The American Geriatrics Society lists diphenhydramine among medications that older adults should generally avoid when safer alternatives are available.

That does not mean older adults have to simply live with allergy symptoms. New or worsening problems are worth discussing with a healthcare provider, who can help identify the trigger and recommend treatments that are safer for age, other health conditions, and current medications.

The main point is simple: allergies do not have an expiration date. They can begin later in life, change over time, and sometimes need a different treatment approach as people get older.