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Updated May 2026·Annual review cycle

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Quick Answer

More than 100 million Americans have some form of allergy — making allergic disease the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the US. Rates have risen sharply over the past 30–50 years across all major allergic conditions, driven by the hygiene hypothesis, microbiome changes, climate change, and dietary shifts.

Key Takeaways

  • Over 100 million Americans suffer from allergic disease — the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the US
  • 81 million Americans have allergic rhinitis; 33 million have food allergies; 26 million have asthma
  • Food allergy prevalence increased ~50% between 1997 and 2011 — peanut allergy tripled in that period
  • Annual US allergy-related healthcare costs exceed $18 billion; asthma alone costs $82 billion in healthcare and lost productivity
  • Allergy rates are rising globally as urbanization spreads Western lifestyle factors worldwide
  • Climate change is accelerating the trend by extending pollen seasons and increasing pollen potency

The Global Allergy Burden

Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S., affecting more than 50 million Americans annually. Our global allergy statistics overview compiles the most current epidemiological data available.

ConditionUS PrevalenceTrend
Allergic Rhinitis~60 million (18%)Rising
Food Allergy~33 million (10%)Rapidly Rising
Atopic Dermatitis~31 million (9%)Stable/Rising
→ Global Allergy Statistics Overview→ Climate Change and Allergy Seasons→ Allergy Research Trends 2026→ Pediatric Allergy Development

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many people have allergies in the US?
More than 100 million Americans suffer from various forms of allergy, making allergic disease the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the US. This includes approximately 81 million with allergic rhinitis (hay fever), ~33 million with food allergies, ~31 million with atopic dermatitis, and ~26 million with asthma. Annual healthcare costs exceed $18 billion (NIH 2023).
Are allergy rates rising or falling?
Rising significantly. US food allergy prevalence increased approximately 50% between 1997 and 2011. Eczema rates have increased 2–3 fold in industrialized countries over the past 30 years. Pollen seasons have extended by ~20 days since 1990. Multiple factors are implicated: reduced childhood microbial exposure (hygiene hypothesis), dietary changes, microbiome disruption, and climate change.
Which allergy is most common in the US?
Allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial hay fever) is the most common allergic condition, affecting approximately 81 million Americans (AAAAI 2023). Skin allergies including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and contact dermatitis affect approximately 31 million. Food allergies affect ~33 million, including approximately 5.6 million children. Asthma affects 26 million Americans and is closely linked to allergic disease.
What is the economic burden of allergies?
Allergic diseases impose enormous economic costs. The US annual direct healthcare cost of allergies exceeds $18 billion (NIH 2023). Asthma costs the US economy $82 billion annually in healthcare and lost productivity. Food allergies cost US families approximately $25 billion per year. Lost productivity from allergic rhinitis — absenteeism and 'presenteeism' (reduced performance while at work) — accounts for an estimated $6 billion annually.
Do children or adults have higher allergy rates?
Children have higher rates of food allergy (up to 8% of US children vs ~4% of adults), atopic dermatitis (10–20% of children vs ~3% of adults), and asthma. However, allergic rhinitis affects all age groups, peaking in adolescence and early adulthood. Adult-onset allergies are increasingly common. Overall, both children and adults carry significant allergy burden — children for food and skin conditions, adults for rhinitis and occupational allergies.
Which countries have the highest allergy rates?
Industrialized Western nations consistently report the highest allergy rates — the US, UK, Australia, and Northern Europe rank highest. Australia has some of the world's highest asthma and food allergy rates. The UK has the highest rate of allergic disease in Europe. Developing nations traditionally had lower rates, but as urbanization increases globally, allergy rates are rising rapidly in Asia, Latin America, and Africa — particularly in urban centers.

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Content is written by our editorial team following current clinical guidelines from ACAAI, AAAAI, and WAO. Educational only — always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice. View editorial policy →

Medical References & Citations

  1. 1
    guideline2006

    Sampson HA, et al. "Second symposium on the definition and management of anaphylaxis: Summary report" — Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

    View source
  2. 2
    database2025

    American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) "Allergy Facts and Figures" — ACAAI Clinical Resources.

    View source
  3. 3
    review2025

    World Allergy Organization (WAO) "White Book on Allergy — 2025 Update" — World Allergy Organization.

    View source
  4. 4
    guideline2024

    National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) "Clinical Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy" — National Institutes of Health.

    View source
  5. 5
    guideline2024

    Muraro A, et al. "EAACI food allergy and anaphylaxis guidelines: Diagnosis and management of food allergy" — Allergy — European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

This content reflects clinical guidelines current as of the last review date shown above. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.