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How to fit allergen immunotherapy in the elderly
Erminia Ridolo1, Anti Rogkakou2, Maria Teresa Ventura3
11Medicine and Surgery Department, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
Clinical and Molecular Allergy : CMA
|May 23, 2018
Summary
Elderly individuals can safely and effectively undergo allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for respiratory allergies, improving their quality of life. This treatment addresses the root causes of allergies, offering benefits beyond symptom management for older adults.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Allergic diseases like asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis affect individuals of all ages, including the elderly.
- Aging does not significantly alter immune responses to allergens, contrary to previous assumptions.
- Elderly patients are often excluded from allergen immunotherapy (AIT) despite its potential benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in elderly populations with respiratory allergies.
- To challenge the exclusion criteria for AIT in older adults.
- To assess the impact of AIT on the quality of life in elderly patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies investigating AIT in aged individuals with respiratory allergies.
- Analysis of contraindications and risk/benefit ratios for AIT in the elderly.
- Consideration of the impact of comorbidities and polypharmacy on AIT outcomes.
Main Results:
- Aged individuals demonstrate successful responses to AIT for respiratory allergies.
- Sublingual immunotherapy shows potential for improving quality of life in the elderly.
- AIT can reduce allergy symptoms and medication consumption in older patients.
Conclusions:
- There is no immunological reason to exclude elderly patients from AIT.
- Careful risk/benefit evaluation is necessary due to frequent comorbidities and polypharmacy in the elderly.
- AIT, particularly sublingual immunotherapy, can significantly enhance the quality of life for older adults with allergies.
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