Allergy Fast Facts

• More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies or an allergy-related disease, like asthma.
• Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic disease in the United States, costing the health care system $18 billion annually.
• An estimated 14 million office visits to health care providers were due to allergic rhinitis in 2002.
• About 1% to 6% of the general population is allergic to latex.
• True food allergies are fairly uncommon -- less than 4 percent of adults have them, and experts estimate food allergy occurs in 6 to 8 percent of children age 4 and younger.
• Peanut or tree nut allergies less than 1% of Americans, but cause the most severe food-induced allergic reactions.
• People who get allergic symptoms during the winter may be allergic to mold spores. Molds remain outside much longer than pollen, and may be indoors year-round.
• More than 32 million Americans have chronic sinusitis, making it one of the most common chronic health conditions in the U.S.

Reference: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Allergy Statistics. Bethesda, MD: Office of Communications and Public Liaison; December 2004.

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