NURSING HOME CARE AND ALLERGIES

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nearly anyone of any age can develop an allergy, or experience a worsening of their symptoms. Allergies can be caused by a number of triggers including a type of food, certain medications, environmental conditions, pet dander, and even certain vitamins. Food allergies are particularly common, and it is also common for those within the geriatric population to develop new allergies. In large part this is because older persons’ immune system is also aging and is less able to fend off attacks. Studies have shown that among nursing home residents, nearly 25% are likely to have one or more food allergies. If a nursing home does not pay close attention to the residents’ reactions to food or environmental conditions, the resident may develop an allergy that is at best uncomfortable, and at worse, life-threatening. Simply not noticing a resident’s allergic reaction is not an acceptable defense. It may be considered neglect which may be grounds for a personal injury claim. If the resident succumbs to a severe allergic reaction, the surviving family members may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit with the help of a lawyer, like a nursing home abuse lawyer in Longwood, FL from David & Philpot, P.L.

Common Allergies among Elders

As your loved one ages, be aware that they may develop any of the following types of common allergies:

  • Dairy products. Dairy contains lactose which can be difficult for elderly persons to digest. Their stomach will reject lactose which often leads to intestinal and stomach conditions.
  • Peanuts or other types of tree nuts. Though peanut allergies are usually associated with children, it can develop among other persons as well. Symptoms include anaphylaxis as well as a mild rash.
  • Gluten. Those who react negatively to gluten may be diagnosed with Celiac disease.
  • Alcohol. Just as the body’s immune system may reject lactose, it may also reject alcohol as a person ages. As a result, an allergy to alcohol may result in issues with their stomach, intestine, or kidney.

Common Symptoms of Allergies

If you suspect that your elderly loved one has an allergy or recently developed one, it’s very important that they see an allergist. Symptoms can be very subtle at first, or they can be severe from the very beginning. The symptoms listed below may be indicative of an allergy, or of another type of condition. If their nursing home facility does not have an allergist on staff or work with one on a consulting basis, then consider taking your loved one to an outside allergist. If your elder is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important that they see a doctor without delay.

  • Allergic rhinitis. Symptoms include inflamed sinuses, sneezing, and irritated eyes.
  • Skin irritation. Symptoms include sink rash, Eczema, hives, itchy skin, red skin, and dry skin.
  • Asthma. Between 6-10% of elderly persons suffer from asthma. Symptoms include a closing of the windpipe and anaphylaxis. These symptoms can be life-threatening if the individual does not receive immediate medical treatment.

Thanks to David & Philpot, PL for their insight into the wrongful death claim process.