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Published in: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports 5/2011

01-10-2011

Role of Allergen Sensitization in Older Adults

Authors: Ravi K. Viswanathan, Sameer K. Mathur

Published in: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports | Issue 5/2011

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Abstract

There is a common perception among physicians and patients that allergic diseases are not relevant in older adults. There is also recognition that innate and adaptive immune functions decline with aging. It is the function of a variety of immune cells in the form of allergic inflammation that is a hallmark of allergic diseases. In fact, there is a fairly consistent observation that measures of allergic sensitization, such as skin prick testing, specific IgE, or total IgE, decline with age. Nonetheless, the association between allergic sensitization and allergic diseases, particularly asthma and allergic rhinitis, remains robust in the older adult population. Consequently, an appropriate evaluation of allergic sensitivities is warranted and indicated in older asthma and rhinitis patients to provide optimal care for the individual and minimize any resultant morbidity and mortality.
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Metadata
Title
Role of Allergen Sensitization in Older Adults
Authors
Ravi K. Viswanathan
Sameer K. Mathur
Publication date
01-10-2011
Publisher
Current Science Inc.
Published in
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports / Issue 5/2011
Print ISSN: 1529-7322
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6315
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-011-0204-9

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