Prevalence and Incidence of Allergies

Prevalance of Allergies:

50-60 million (NIAID); 9-16% (NIAID); 50 million cases annually (NIAID); 10% of American women (NHWIC); 8,526,000 children respiratory allergies (NHIS-97); 7,304,000 children non-respiratory allergies (NHIS-97)

Prevalance Rate:

approx 1 in 5 or 18.38% or 50 million people in USA [about data]

Prevalance of types of Allergies:

For details see prevalence of types of Allergies analysis; summary of available prevalence data:

• Hay fever: 35 million Americans (NIAID: pollen allergies)
• allergic rhinitis: 10% of the population with allergic rhinitis/hay fever in the US (Mayo Clinic)
• Airborne allergies: 35 million Americans (NIAID: pollen allergies)
• Latex allergies: 1-6% (NIAID)
• Food allergies: 1% of the adult population have a true immune reaction to food (NHWIC)
• Insect sting allergies: 3.3% (NIAID); up to 5% of the population (NHWIC)

Prevalance of Allergies:

Two estimates of allergy prevalence in the United States are 9 percent^[2] and 16 percent.^[3] The prevalence of allergic rhinitis has increased substantially over the past 15 years.^[4] (Source: excerpt from Allergy Statistics: NIAID) ... Overall, allergic diseases are among the major causes of illness and disability in the United States, affecting as many as 40 to 50 million Americans. (Source: excerpt from Something in the Air Airborne Allergens: NIAID)

Prevalence/Incidence of Allergies: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the prevalence and/or incidence of Allergies.

Allergic purpuras: Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

The most common identifiable cause of allergic purpura is probably an autoimmune reaction directed against vascular walls, triggered by a bacterial infection (particularly streptococcal infection). Typically, upper respiratory tract infection occurs 1 to 3 weeks before the onset of symptoms. Other possible causes include allergic reactions to some drugs and vaccines, to insect bites, and to some foods (such as wheat, eggs, milk, and chocolate).

Allergic purpura affects more males than females and is most prevalent in children ages 3 to 7. The prognosis is more favorable for children than adults.

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Allergic rhinitis: Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Hay fever reflects an immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated type I hypersensitivity response to an environmental antigen (allergen) in a genetically susceptible individual. In most cases, it’s induced by windborne pollens: in the spring by tree pollens (oak, elm, maple, alder, birch, and cottonwood), in the summer by grass pollens (sheep sorrel and English plantain), and in the fall by weed pollens (ragweed). Occasionally, hay fever is induced by allergy to fungal spores. In addition to individual sensitivity and geographical differences in plant population, the amount of pollen in the air can be a factor in determining whether symptoms develop. Hot, dry, windy days have more pollen than cool, damp, rainy days.

In perennial allergic rhinitis, inhaled allergens provoke antigen responses that produce recurring symptoms year-round. The allergens trigger antibody production and histamine release, producing itching, swelling, and mucus. The major perennial allergens and irritants include dust mites, feather pillows, mold, cigarette smoke, upholstery, and animal dander. Seasonal pollen allergy may exacerbate signs and symptoms of perennial rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis is the most common atopic allergic reaction, affecting more than 20 million Americans. It’s most prevalent in young children and adolescents but can occur in all age groups.

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Latex allergy: Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Approximately 1% of the population has a latex allergy. Anyone who is in frequent contact with latex-containing products is at risk for developing a latex allergy. (See Products that contain latex, page 358.)The more frequent the exposure, the higher the risk. The populations at highest risk are medical and dental professionals, workers in latex companies, and patients with spina bifida.

Other individuals at risk include:

❑ patients with a history of asthma or other allergies, especially to bananas, avocados, tropical fruits, or chestnuts

❑ patients with a history of multiple intra-abdominal or genitourinary surgeries

❑ patients who require frequent intermittent urinary catheterization.

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Urticaria and angioedema: Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Urticaria and angioedema are common allergic reactions that may occur in 20% of the general population. The causes of these reactions include allergy to drugs, foods, insect bites and stings and, occasionally, inhalant allergens (animal dander and cosmetics) that provoke an immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated response to protein allergens. However, certain drugs may cause urticaria without an IgE response. When urticaria and angioedema are part of an anaphylactic reaction, they almost always persist long after the systemic response has subsided. This occurs because circulation to the skin is the last to be restored after an allergic reaction, which results in slow histamine reabsorption at the reaction site.

Nonallergic urticaria and angioedema are also related to histamine release. External physical stimuli, such as cold (usually in young adults), heat, water, or sunlight, may also provoke urticaria and angioedema. Dermographism urticaria, which develops after stroking or scratching of the skin, occurs in as much as 20% of the population. Such urticaria develops with varying pressure, usually under tight clothing, and is aggravated by scratching.

Several different mechanisms and underlying disorders may provoke urticaria and angioedema. These include IgE-induced release of mediators from cutaneous mast cells; binding of IgG or IgM to antigen, resulting in complement activation; and such disorders as localized or secondary infections (such as respiratory infection), neoplastic diseases (such as Hodgkin’s disease), connective tissue diseases (such as systemic lupus erythematosus), collagen vascular diseases, and psychogenic diseases.

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Prevelance of Allergies discussion:

Estimates suggest that allergies affect more than 50 million people in the United States. Nearly 10% of American women have pollen allergies. (Source: excerpt from Allergies: NWHIC)

About prevalence and incidence statistics:

The term 'prevalence' of Allergies usually refers to the estimated population of people who are managing Allergies at any given time. The term 'incidence' of Allergies refers to the annual diagnosis rate, or the number of new cases of Allergies diagnosed each year. Hence, these two statistics types can differ: a short-lived disease like flu can have high annual incidence but low prevalence, but a life-long disease like diabetes has a low annual incidence but high prevalence. For more information see about prevalence and incidence statistics.