How prevalent are allergic and
immunologic disorders?
Allergic and immunologic diseases are common chronic conditions
that affect 50 million Americans. According to 1994 data from the
Centers for Disease Control, over 14 million people suffer from
asthma. This number is almost double the rate reported in 1980. Other
studies indicate that the prevalence of asthma is rising, especially
in urban areas, and that the mortality rate due to severe asthma is
increasing. Approximately 9% of Americans suffer from allergic
rhinitis, or hayfever, resulting in almost $4 billion in lost
workplace productivity, and 35 million suffer from chronic sinusitis.
There are over 70 forms of primary immune deficiency, affecting
more people than leukemia and lymphoma combined, and an even larger
number of autoimmune and other immunologic disorders. Thus, there are
many opportunities for direct patient care, outreach and research by
medical professionals trained in allergy/immunology.
