Survey Doubles Estimate of Allergy Sufferers in U.S.

About 38% of Americans suffer from allergies, twice as many as experts previously thought, and many do not know about available treatments, such as allergy shots, according to a new survey.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, which commissioned the survey, was surprised by the findings and said they show millions of people suffer unnecessarily or rely on medications, sometimes with side effects, because they are unaware of other treatments.

“If you look at the textbooks, we always said 15, maybe 20% of the population has allergies,” Dr. Warren Filley, chairman of the college’s public relations committee and a practicing Oklahoma City allergist, said Saturday.

Thirty-eight percent of 1,004 adults surveyed in June reported having allergies, and 56% said they live in households in which at least one member has allergies, according to the study, which is to be presented at the American College’s annual meeting in Chicago on Monday.

Among those who either have allergies or live with someone who does, 60% knew only of medications or avoidance for treating the condition. They did not know about immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots.

With immunotherapy, small amounts of the substance causing the reaction are injected and periodically increased until the patient becomes immune. The shots are effective against various allergies, including hay fever and insect stings.