Allergy

Allergies in the Elderly

Module Summary

Allergies in the increasing elderly population remain an undervalued, common disease with a major impact on quality of life. Immunosenescence is a factor behind developing new allergies and inability to mount an immune response. Changes in sinonasal tissue, GI system and skin cause these patients to develop allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, dermatitis, asthma and food allergies. Symptoms can range from nasal congestion, sneezing, nasal drainage, rash, food intolerance and itchy eyes to generalized fatigue and sleep disturbance.