Allergies Don't Respect Age

Being relatively allergy-free throughout life doesn't mean recurrent sniffling and sneezing won't be a problem later on.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's Asthma and Allergies in Seniors Web site cautions that recurrent symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes may be something more just a "summer cold."

Medical experts say it's not unusual for an individual to develop pollen- or pet-related allergies after 50 years of age.

When allergies or asthma are suspected, it's important to consult a doctor and ensure that any drugs prescribed don't conflict with medicines currently being used.