While allergies affect a significant portion of the population, certain groups experience a disproportionately higher burden. There's no single group that suffers most, as different allergies impact different demographics. However, several factors increase risk.
Children and Seasonal Allergies
Children are significantly affected by allergies, particularly seasonal allergies. Data shows that boys (20%) are more likely to have a seasonal allergy than girls (17.7%). Additionally, children aged 6-11 have the highest rate of eczema (12.1%). [Source: CDC data, January 26, 2023] This highlights a higher prevalence of allergic conditions within the pediatric population.
Racial Disparities in Allergic Reactions
Racial disparities exist in allergic reactions. Black children are two to three times more likely than White children to suffer a fatal allergic reaction to food. [Source: FoodAllergy.org] This indicates a severe health disparity requiring further investigation and attention.
Adults and the Prevalence of Allergies
A large number of adults also suffer from allergies. More than 50 million Americans experience allergies annually, highlighting a significant health concern across age groups. [Source: ACAAI & WebMD] This underscores the widespread nature of allergies within the adult population.
Overall Prevalence
In summary, while prevalence varies across different allergy types and demographics, data indicates that children, particularly boys, and Black children face a heightened risk of severe allergic reactions. The high prevalence in adults further underscores the broad impact of allergies on overall public health.
