What are the 10 Most Common Allergies?

You are not alone. More than 50 million people in the U.S. experience various types of allergies each year. 

Here are the 10 most common allergies. Sadly, many people suffer from several all at one time.

1. Pollen allergies: According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), pollen allergies (also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis) affect up to 30% of adults and 40% of children in the United States. (Source: AAFA)

2. Food allergies: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 32 million Americans have food allergies, and the most common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. (Source: CDC)

3. Dust mite allergies: The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) reports that dust mite allergies affect up to 20 million Americans. (Source: AAAAI)

4. Mold allergies: The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) states that mold allergies affect an estimated 10% of the U.S. population. (Source: NIEHS)

5. Insect sting allergies: The AAAAI reports that 5% to 7.5% of the general population will have an allergic reaction to insect stings, such as those from bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets. (Source: AAAAI)

6. Pet allergies: The AAFA reports that pet allergies affect up to 30% of people with allergies, and the most common allergen is the protein found in a pet's skin cells, urine, and saliva. (Source: AAFA)

7. Latex allergies: The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) reports that up to 6% of the general population may have a latex allergy. (Source: ACAAI)

8. Medication allergies: The AAAAI states that up to 10% of the U.S. population may have a medication allergy, and the most common culprits include antibiotics, aspirin, and chemotherapy drugs. (Source: AAAAI)

9. Sunlight allergy: The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) reports that 10% to 15% of the population may have a sunlight allergy, also known as photoallergy or sun sensitivity. (Source: BAD)

10. Chemical allergies: The AAAAI reports that contact dermatitis (a type of skin allergy) affects up to 20% of the population, and can be caused by exposure to chemicals found in cosmetics, detergents, and perfumes. (Source: AAAAI)

It's worth noting, we have talked to many people over the years and some allergies are more common in certain regions, populations, times of the year, and that the severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals.

If you think you may have an allergy, talk to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment options.

Sources:

• AAFA: https://www.aafa.org/allergy-facts/
• CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/foodallergies/index.htm
• AAAAI: https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/prevalence-of-allergies-and-asthma
• NIEHS: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/asthma-allergies/index.cfm
• ACAAI: https://acaai.org/allergies/types/latex-allergy
• BAD: https://www.bad.org.uk/shared/get-file.ashx?id=3278&itemtype=document