title: Allergy in the geriatric population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Allergies and asthma have long been considered diseases of children and young adults. They are, however, prevalent among older patients also. This article summarizes findings on the diagnosis and treatment of allergies and asthma in the older population.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Allergies and asthma occur with fair frequency in older patients. Remembering to look and test for these problems enables better treatment and symptom control for these patients. Immunotherapy works well in this population.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Regardless of the patient's age, the differential diagnosis for sinonasal and dyspnea complaints should include allergies and asthma. Diagnosis is straightforward, and appropriate treatment improves quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Wexner School of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: Karen H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Calhoun
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life