Abstract

CRUZ, Cíntia et al. Allergic respiratory diseases in the elderly. Rev Port Imunoalergologia [online]. 2018, vol.26, n.3, pp.189-205. ISSN 0871-9721.

The past few years have shown a progressive increase of allergic diseases in the elderly population worldwide. Thus, it is relevant to reassess the impact of allergic respiratory diseases in this age group. Despite the high prevalence of asthma in the elderly, its pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment are poorly studied. The same happens with allergic rhinitis, a common disease that is often undervalued in the elderly. The diagnosis of these disorders in the elderly is harder since its actual clinical manifestations make it difficult to recognize and confuse an already large differential diagnosis. Moreover, treatment is complicated by the existence of co -morbidities and/or polymedication, which in turn results in deleterious control of the allergic disease or in drug interactions. It is essential to deepen the understanding of the pathophysiological changes that occur with aging in order to improve understanding of airway diseases. Thus, the challenge today is not only to encourage new research, but also to use the existing knowledge to diagnose and educate the patient, to develop a therapeutic approach adjusted to the disease and the patient and, ultimately, to provide a better quality of life for the elderly. Starting from an approach on immunosenescence, this review offers an analysis of current knowledge regarding asthma and allergic rhinitis, focusing on the barriers to diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords : Allergic respiratory disease; asthma; rhinitis; elderly.

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