Allergy in the elderly: A case note review of referrals to an adult allergy clinic. Issue 9 (19th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gray, N. J.; Redshaw, E. L.; Isaacs, D.; Tarzi, M. D.; Smith, H. E.; Frew, A. J.
• Is Part Of: Clinical & experimental allergy. Volume 48:Issue 9(2018)
• Page Start: 1238
• Page End: 1241
• Publication Date: 2018-06-19
• Subjects: anaphylaxis -- angioedema -- epidemiology -- immunologic tests; Allergy -- Periodicals; Immunology -- Periodicals; 616.97
• DOI: 10.1111/cea.13179
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-7894

Abstract

Summary: The UK population is ageing and we can expect more referrals to allergy clinics for this age group. 16% of patients to our clinic are aged >60. Compared to younger patients, 3 times as many referrals were for angioedema. Overall, allergy was excluded in 79% of cases. 15% were diagnosed with previously unrecognised allergies, while allergic disease was confirmed in 6%, enabling optimised management. While the differential diagnosis of allergic conditions is wider in older people, assessment in the allergy clinic is helpful and adds value.