New Delhi: Allergies, long considered a problem in younger individuals, are increasingly being seen in older adults and are estimated to affect five to ten percent of them.
“Global warming, environmental pollution, indoor lifestyle, changes like pollens and altered gut microbiota are some of the factors that play a contributing role”, says Dr. Sujatha Ramesh, consultant Allergy and Immunology, Manipal Hospitals, Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru.
Dr Ramesh also explained that common allergic conditions seen among older people are allergic rhinitis, which is characterised by sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion, and asthma, which causes wheezing, cough and shortness of breath. Atopic Dermatitis is another bothersome condition in the elderly with dryness and itching of the skin she continues.
While some people deal with lifelong sensitivities, old allergies may resurface in others. Allergies could also potentially develop for the first time as one age.
Dr. Sujatha recalls the case of a retired agriculture professor who experienced sudden severe bouts of sneezing, nasal congestion and runny nose outdoors for the very first time at the age of seventy-four. His skin tests confirmed a pollen allergy, no surprise as his work required frequent field visits. He wanted to know why it had manifested at this age. He had probably been sensitized to pollens during his career and now developed allergies due to re-exposure to allergens.
Aging and immunity
Immune responses to allergens were thought to wane with age, however, this paradigm appears not so true these days. Age-related decline in lung functions and conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis impact allergic symptoms, obesity, tobacco smoke, and a sedentary lifestyle add to the complications.” Dr. Sujatha points out.
Treating allergies
Older people also tend to have comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes. This begs caution when prescribing medications to treat allergies. Some medicines used for treating their primary medical condition may exacerbate or induce an allergic condition.
“The elderly are not usually prescribed sedating antihistamines which can induce drowsiness, and dizziness and could increase the risk of falls,” says Dr. Sujatha.
With appropriate diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases, the elderly can enjoy a better quality of life.
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