The Growing Allergy Crisis: Understanding the Why and How

Allergic crises: what was once considered a minor inconvenience for a small segment of the population has now become a significant health issue affecting millions of people globally.

Over the years, the prevalence of allergies worldwide has surged, raising concerns among both healthcare professionals and the public.

Let's delve into the reasons behind this increase and explore what can be done to stabilise the problem.

The Rise in Allergy Cases and the Severity of Allergic Crises Around the World

In the United Kingdom, more than 20 million people are affected by at least one allergic disorder. This means that one in three people exhibits allergy symptoms, according to The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Furthermore, the agency reports that, in England, hospital admissions due to complications from hayfever increased sevenfold in the 2000s compared to the 1990s. In 2012, hospitalisations due to anaphylaxis triggered by food allergies alone doubled. Including hayfever in the count, this number increases even further.

In fact, one in four people in the United Kingdom suffers from hayfever. That’s 16 million people, each of whom is four times more likely to suffer from other conditions triggered by this allergy, such as asthma, eczema, and food allergies.

According to The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), allergy is the most common chronic disease in Europe. Up to 20% of allergy patients live with a severe and debilitating form of their condition, struggling daily with the fear of a potential asthma attack, anaphylactic shock, or even death due to an allergic reaction.

Similarly, asthma, a condition closely linked to allergies, now affects more than 5.4 million people in the United Kingdom. This trend is not unique to the UK; similar patterns are observed worldwide. The World Allergy Organization estimates that allergic diseases are among the four most common chronic conditions globally, and their prevalence continues to rise.

Genetics: The Inherited Predisposition

Genetic factors are one of the main contributors to these figures. A family history of allergies significantly increases an individual’s likelihood of developing symptoms.

In other words, if one parent has allergies, their child has a 30% to 50% chance of developing them as well. If both parents are allergic, the percentage rises to 80%.

Pets: An Increasing Presence in Homes

More and more families are welcoming pets, who are true members of the family. This trend correlates with an increase in hayfever crises, whose triggers include, among others, pet dander.

However, this is a controversial topic: while some experts claim that having pets in the home, especially from childhood, is associated with a higher risk of developing allergies, there is also evidence suggesting that early exposure to animals may help build tolerance and reduce the risk of allergies later in life.

The relationship between pets and allergies is complex and influenced by various factors, including the type of animal, the duration of exposure, and the individual’s genetic predisposition.

Manage pet allergy

Pollution

Air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and ozone can irritate the respiratory system and exacerbate allergic conditions such as asthma and hayfever.

Research indicates that people living in areas with high levels of pollution are more likely to develop allergies and asthma compared to those in cleaner environments.

Additionally, pollutants can interact with allergens such as pollen, making them more potent and more likely to trigger allergic reactions.

The increase in industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and urbanisation has led to higher levels of pollution, thereby contributing to the rise in allergy cases.

Climate Change: A Global Factor

Higher temperatures and shifts in climate patterns are prolonging the pollen season, one of the main causes of hayfever in the United Kingdom.

The Hygiene Hypothesis: Are We Too Clean?

Another hypothesis for the increase in hayfever cases worldwide is hygiene. Are we too clean, preventing children from coming into contact with dirt, soil, and allergens during childhood?

According to this theory, which is also quite controversial, reduced exposure to bacteria and other microorganisms in childhood, due to improved hygiene practices, decreases the immune system’s development of tolerance to harmless substances. This can lead to a greater susceptibility to allergies later in life.

The tendency to raise children in more sterile environments, coupled with smaller family sizes and reduced exposure to outdoor activities, supports this hypothesis.

However, while the hygiene hypothesis provides a plausible explanation, it is only one of many factors being discussed.

Other Hypotheses

Several other hypotheses attempt to explain the increase in allergies worldwide. One includes changes in diet and lifestyle, such as increased consumption of processed foods, reduced physical activity, and alterations in gut microbiota, as possible culprits behind part of this increase.

Moreover, the overuse of antibiotics and other medications that alter gut flora has also been implicated in the rise of allergic diseases.

These hypotheses highlight the multifactorial nature of allergies, emphasising the need for further research to fully understand the underlying causes.

What Can Be Done?

Understanding all the factors discussed is crucial for preventing crises and implementing truly effective treatments for each type of allergy.

In the case of hayfever, for instance, Histallay® can be a strong ally in controlling symptoms and even as a preventative treatment. Histallay® is a second-generation antihistamine that does not cause drowsiness, has fast and long-lasting effects.

Just one capsule of Histallay® works for 24 hours in the body. Moreover, Histallay® can be taken daily for up to one year as a long-term treatment, effectively controlling all hayfever symptoms—from a runny nose to itchy skin.

Want to know more?

Read the articles below:

What are allergies

Is pollen one of the most common allergy triggers?