John Elflein
Research expert covering health and health care
Allergies in the U.S. - Statistics & Facts
In 2024, the U.S. cities that suffered the most from seasonal allergies were Wichita, Kansas, Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Greenville, South Carolina. Seasonal allergies are some of the most common allergies in the United States, with just over a quarter of adults suffering from such conditions. Pollen is one of the most common triggers for seasonal allergies, but other common allergens include dust, cats and dogs, different foods and drugs, latex, and insect stings. Allergies occur when a person is hypersensitive to something in the environment, causing their immune system to perceive the substance as harmful and therefore overreact to it. Symptoms vary in degree depending on the seriousness of the allergy, but often include a runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, sneezing, a rash, swelling, and trouble breathing.
Seasonal allergies
Seasonal allergies, commonly known as hay fever, are more common in the spring and summer but can be experienced year-round. Seasonal allergies can be worse in certain regions depending on the climate, weather, altitude, and flora. A survey from 2023 found that those living in the South were more likely to report having very severe or severe seasonal allergies than those living in other regions. Furthermore, women in the United States are more likely to suffer from seasonal allergies than men, with around 30 percent of women diagnosed with seasonal allergies as of 2021, compared to 21 percent of men. Although there is no cure for seasonal allergies, steps can be taken to relieve symptoms. These include reducing exposure to triggers by staying indoors on dry, windy days and removing clothes that have been worn outside, as well as using non-prescription medications such as oral antihistamines and corticosteroid nasal sprays.Asthma
Allergies are often associated with asthma as the same substances can trigger both allergies and asthma. There is even a type of asthma known as allergic asthma that is triggered by an allergy, for example pollen or mold. In 2021, around 7.7 percent of the U.S. population currently had asthma. Rates of asthma are highest among those aged 20 to 24 years, with around 9.5 percent of those in this age group reporting they currently suffer from asthma. Although asthma attacks are relatively common among those who suffer from asthma and can be a terrifying experience, medication can effectively prevent and treat attacks. In 2022, the death rate from asthma in the United States was just around one per 100,000 population for both males and females.
