Food Allergy: An Increasing Problem for the Elderly

Abstract

As populations become older all over the world, allergic reactions in elderly persons will be encountered more often in the future. Up to now, there has been much more literature on allergy prevalence in childhood than on allergy diseases in adults. As a challenge to epidemiology, allergic disorders in elderly persons may be masked by various symptoms corresponding with a general age-induced decline of physiological functions, including vitamin D deficiency and gastric pH increase. How much structural and functional changes (e.g. low calcitriol level) or effects caused by drugs (e.g. acid-suppression medications) in addition to immunological alterations encountered at old age are responsible for this development is a matter of debate. In the years ahead, the problem of allergy in adulthood and especially in the elderly will become more pronounced.

The prevalence of PFS and prevalence and characteristics of reported food allergy; a survey of UK adults aged 18–75 incorporating a validated PFS diagnostic questionnaire

“…It remains unclear what risk factors exist for the development of food allergy in adult life. It has been suggested that age-related changes might alter the potential for the onset of food allergy in older adults, for example, vitamin D deficiency in adulthood and medications to inhibit gastric acidity may both increase the likelihood of late-onset food allergy [41]. Few prevalence studies have assessed the age of onset of reported food allergy in adults although Vierk et al [37] found that 54% of reported reactions in adults commenced aged 20 years or older.…”

Allergy and Aging: An Old/New Emerging Health Issue

“…Structural and functional changes or effects caused by drugs (e.g. acid-suppression medications), in addition to immunological alterations encountered at old age, might be responsible for food allergy development in the elderly [5]. Elderly people are at higher risk of food allergy due to their aging immune systems.…”

“…Frequently late-onset food allergy occurs after exercise and consuming food to which the patients are allergic. Food allergy may present with a variety of symptoms involving cutaneous (e.g., urticaria, angioedema, eczema), respiratory (rhinitis, asthma), gastrointestinal (diarrhea), or generalized anaphylactic reactions [5]. …”

“…In the next future, the issue of allergy in adults and particularly in the elderly will be of great and great importance (Table 2) [5]. …”

Food allergy and food intolerance in adulthood in the dermatological practice

“…5-8%. Ezen allergiák nagy részét az érintettek a felnôtté válás folyamán kinövik, tolerancia alakul ki, így a felnôttkori prevalencia csupán 1-3% (2,3,(6)(7)(8). Gyermekekben leggyakrabban a tej, tojás, dió, mogyoró, hal és a szója okoz allergiát.…”