The Impact of Age on Allergies

Although global warming may worsen existing allergies—or cause new outbreaks—it’s especially important for older patients to be evaluated by an allergist, advises Clifford Bassett, M.D., director of Allergy and Asthma Care of New York.

“As you age, there is a drying of the mucous membranes in the nose and sinuses,” Bassett adds. “As a result of this drying effect, the body tries to overcompensate by producing more water, fluid and mucus—and this can cause postnasal drip that many people mistake for allergies.”

Being overweight or obese can also cause nasal obstruction, leading to congestion. So can some medications. But before you self-medicate with over-the-counter decongestants, Bassett says, check with your doctor about possible drug interactions.

A skin test that checks your reactions to various allergens can help determine if you really do have allergies. The key to getting accurate results is to test areas of the skin that have had little sun exposure, says Richard F. Lockey, M.D., of the University of South Florida College of Medicine and past president of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. —SK