Abstract

BROSSERON, Lise  and  FERREIRA, Ana Reis. Anaphylaxis in the elderly: Diagnostic and therapeutic management particularities. Rev Port Imunoalergologia [online]. 2022, vol.30, n.4, pp.263-276.  Epub Dec 30, 2022. ISSN 0871-9721.  https://doi.org/10.32932/rpia.2022.12.092.

The global increase in life expectancy is associated to the rising prevalence of pathologies typically related to aging, with allergic diseases being growingly described. Anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal hypersensitivity reaction, is associated with higher morbidity and mortality in this age group, presenting particularities that deserve to be highlighted, not only regarding its diagnosis but also its treatment. The existence of multiple comorbidities resulting in polymedication, namely with antihypertensive drugs that may not only condition anaphylactic reactions but also hinder their treatment, together with the predominance of cardiovascular symptoms and other age associated factors, confer greater vulnerability to this population. It is therefore pertinent to identify and raise awareness of the existence of particularities of anaphylaxis in the elderly, allowing a more directed intervention and improvement in prognosis.

Keywords : Aging; anaphylaxis; comorbidities; elderly.

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