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Allergic rhinitis (AR) in geriatric patients.
Hayriye Karabulut1, Selcan Baysal, Baran Acar
1Department of Otolaryngology, Ankara Kecioren Research and Training Hospital, Vadi konutlari B Blok D, 4 Subayevleri Kecioren, 06130 Ankara, Turkey. hayriyekarabulut@gmail.com
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
|January 14, 2011
Summary
Geriatric patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) showed lower skin prick test positivity compared to younger adults. Skin prick testing is crucial before initiating systemic treatment in older adults with AR symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an IgE-mediated inflammatory nasal and sinus disease.
- Geriatric populations may present unique AR symptom profiles and allergen sensitivities.
- Understanding AR in the elderly is crucial for appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the correlation between AR symptoms and skin prick test results in geriatric patients.
- To compare AR presentation and allergen sensitivity in geriatric versus young adult populations.
- To inform treatment strategies for allergic rhinitis in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 32 geriatric patients (Group 1) with AR symptoms.
- Comparison with 37 young adult controls (Group 2).
- Diagnosis based on physical examination, nasal endoscopy, and skin prick testing.
Main Results:
- Skin prick test positivity was 50% in geriatric patients versus 75.7% in the control group (p=0.044).
- Statistically significant differences in susceptibility to mugwort pollen and fish were observed between groups (p=0.048, p=0.033).
Conclusions:
- Geriatric patients with AR symptoms exhibit lower skin prick test positivity compared to younger individuals.
- Skin prick testing is recommended before initiating systemic treatment in geriatric patients with AR.
- Consideration of potential drug adverse effects necessitates accurate allergen identification in the elderly.
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