Prevalence and triggers of allergic diseases across different age groups: A comparative analysis of patients aged under 50, 50–64, and 65 and older

Abstract

Allergic diseases are prevalent immune disorders that have a considerable impact on public health. Although these cases are traditionally linked with younger individuals, older populations are increasingly affected due to immunological changes and a greater prevalence of comorbidities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and triggers of allergic diseases across three age groups—under 50, 50–64, and 65 and older—to inform age-specific prevention and treatment strategies. In this retrospective study, data from 352 patients (270 females and 82 males) who presented to our allergy clinic between December 2022 and December 2023 were analyzed. Patients were grouped by age and data on allergic diseases, triggers, comorbidities, and skin prick test results were evaluated. Appropriate statistical analyses were performed, with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05. Allergic rhinitis (39.8%) was the most prevalent allergic disease, followed by chronic spontaneous urticaria (28.1%), and acute urticaria-angioedema (27.8%). Drug allergies were significantly more frequent in older adults (p = 0.016), with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and beta-lactam antibiotics being common triggers. Allergic rhinitis was more prevalent in the < 50 age group (p = 0.013). Skin prick tests revealed sensitivities to pollen (9.4%), house dust mites (8.8%), and cat allergens (2.8%). Allergic diseases vary in frequency across age groups. Allergic rhinitis is more common in younger patients, while drug allergies are dominant in the elderly, likely due to polypharmacy. Raising awareness and tailoring diagnostic approaches for allergic diseases in older adults is essential. Further multicenter studies are needed to confirm these findings.