Allergies on the Rise in the U.S.

TL;DR

  • Allergies and asthma are increasing in the U.S. — over 80 million people now have allergic rhinitis, and childhood food allergies are 50% higher than in 2007.

  • Climate change is lengthening pollen seasons, increasing exposure, and worsening symptoms.

  • Medication relief (nasal sprays, antihistamines) helps temporarily but may cause side effects or rebound symptoms.

  • Natural strategies that support immune balance and reduce inflammation can complement medical care.

Allergies remain one of the most common chronic health issues in the United States. The CDC estimates that in 2021, about 31.8% of adults reported having a seasonal allergy, eczema, or food allergy. Roughly one in four adults (25.7%) experience seasonal allergies specifically.

Because of climate change, pollen seasons are starting earlier, lasting longer, and producing greater yields—some areas are already reporting record pollen counts.

Back in 2005, a study of 10,500 subjects found that more than half were sensitive to at least one of ten common allergens—twice as many as three decades earlier. That trend has continued. In 2005, about 22 million Americans (7.3%) reported symptoms of allergic rhinitis. By 2021, that number had climbed to 81 million—a striking increase.

Asthma rates have also risen. In 1999, 7.7% of the population (22 million people) had asthma; by 2018, nearly 42 million Americans (13%) had been diagnosed—a 43% increase.

Food allergies are part of this growing problem. Childhood food allergy prevalence has increased by roughly 50% since 2007, with hospitalizations for severe allergic reactions tripling between the late 1990s and mid-2000s.

Medical Limitations for Treating Allergies

Medical treatments often focus on symptom relief but can have side effects.

  • Nasal decongestant sprays can lead to rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) [2].

  • Intranasal corticosteroids are generally safer but may cause nosebleeds, headaches, or septum irritation [3].

  • Long-term use of some sprays (e.g., fluticasone) may increase risks of local irritation or mild immune suppression [4].

  • Antihistamines can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, and slowed reaction times, especially in older adults or children [5].

Because of this, many people look toward natural and preventive approaches—improving air quality, addressing gut health, and supporting immune balance—to reduce allergy triggers rather than relying solely on medication. Simply changing your diet can help with allergies.    There are some good natural therapies for allergy sufferers, click here.

  1. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 May 12;17(10):3360. Self-Reported Prevalence of Allergies in the USA and Impact on Skin—An Epidemiological Study on a Representative Sample of American Adults
  2. Rhinitis Medicamentosa Nur Wahidah B. Wahid; Carl Shermetaro.
  3. Drugs Real World Outcomes. 2022 Jun 3;9(3):321–331. Adverse Drug Reactions of Intranasal Corticosteroids in the Netherlands: An Analysis from the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Center
  4. drugs.com
  5. Cleveland Clinic.