{"id":16721,"date":"2024-11-18T03:42:11","date_gmt":"2024-11-17T19:42:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/dbclinic.com.sg\/?p=16721"},"modified":"2026-07-15T14:46:43","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T06:46:43","slug":"ageing-and-allergies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/dbclinic.com.sg\/ageing-and-allergies\/","title":{"rendered":"Ageing and Allergies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Allergies<\/a> are exaggerated immune response towards allergens \u2014 substances that are usually not dangerous to the body. Allergy disease can be triggered by particles from the environment such as food, air pollutants, mould, mites, fur, medications, chemicals and etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the worldwide populations are getting older, there are increasingly presentation of allergy conditions among the aged population. Allergy in the elderly is starting to emerge as a health issue. With rising age, ageing physiological changes will inevitably occur, with increase chances of developing chronic conditions including allergies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Occurrence of allergy in elderly can be due to immunosenescence<\/a> \u2014 a process of physiological ageing of the immune system. This can be seen with progressive modification and ageing of the body tissue structure and immune system. The process of immunosenescence can also be further accelerated with concurrent medical conditions, drugs, and environmental factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although allergy conditions are becomingly common in the elderly, it is a topic less discussed and thought of. This article is written in hope to increase awareness of allergy conditions in elderly, highlighting the possible clinical presentations and encourages readers to seek medical advice and treatment if there is a concern of chronic symptoms associated with allergy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immunosenescence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As we progress with time and age, the body undergoes constant changes. Our cells, tissues, organs and body system\u2019s physical structure and function deteriorate as we grow old. The gradual physiological dwindling of human can result in increased susceptibilities towards <\/p>\n\n\n\n

infections, cancer, inflammation and allergy response. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, micronutrients such as vitamin D, zinc, iron which are imperative in maintaining the immune system, tends to be inadequate in the older age group. These further result in a deleterious impact in the elderly\u2019s health, potentially present itself as allergies or immune-related diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Ageing changes in the gut<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As time goes by, the intestines have weaker general immune response, a higher permeability to particles and allergens and a slower gastric digestive ability. These physiological progress can further be altered by various medications that one may be taking due to other elderly chronic conditions. Poorer and ineffective digestion, persistent allergen proteins in the intestine, impaired intestinal barrier and increase permeability of the allergens can lead to abnormal immune response and allergies.

Allergy presentation of the gut<\/strong>

As we grow older, the structure and physiological changes of the alimentary system increases risk of food allergy in the elderly. Food allergy is often under-reported and under-diagnosed in the elderly. Clinical symptoms of food allergy in the older population can be slightly different from the younger or paediatric group. One can present symptoms later (rather than immediate) following consuming food substances that they are allergic to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There can be a wide range of symptoms severity. One can have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n