Immunoallergic disorders in the elderly
G. Martins-dos-Santos
goncalommdsantos@gmail.com, M. Araújo, S. Prates, P. Leiria-Pinto
Show more: Authors information and Publication historyDepartment of Immunoallergology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
HistoryPublished: 04 May 2021
Accepted: 06 April 2021
Received: 07 August 2020
Doi
10.23822/EurAnnACI.1764-1489.211SummaryAlthough allergic diseases have become increasingly prevalent in the elderly, there are few data on this population. Through a retrospective analysis of the electronic medical records of patients aged 65 years and above followed in our Immunoallergology Unit, we aimed to characterize the immunoallergic diseases of the elderly. The most common disorders were respiratory diseases (n = 185; 50%), mucocutaneous diseases (n = 113; 31%), drug allergy (n = 31; 8%), food allergy (n = 9; 2%), and anaphylaxis (n = 9; 2%). Use of specific immunotherapy was residual (n = 2; 1%). There was an association between anaphylaxis and both, drug (p = 0.004) and food (p = 0.013) allergies. Non-allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma were more frequent in females, and ACE inhibitors/ARB induced-angioedema in males. Recognizing the characteristics of immunoallergic diseases in the elderly and the specificities of this age group is paramount in providing these patients with the best possible care.
Key wordsElderly; old-aged; allergy; immunoallergic; prevalence.
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