One third of Germans suffer from an allergy

Allergic diseases are increasing massively throughout Germany
Almost one in three adults in Germany suffers from an allergy, according to one of the results of the study "Adult Health in Germany currently" (GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS) of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). In addition to allergic diseases, the study also looked at the prevalence of high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary heart disease and strokes. The data obtained has been published by the RKI in the "Journal of Health Monitoring".

"The results of the GEDA 2014/2015 EHIS study show that self-assessment indicates that about one-third of adults aged 18 to 79 suffer from allergic disease"; reports the RKI. Although no specific inquiry was made for individual allergic diseases, there is a considerable overall disease potential for allergies. The same applies to the diseases also considered, such as hypertension, diabetes or coronary heart disease. Overall, "these diseases are of particular public health relevance," emphasizes RKI President Lothar H. Wieler.

Allergies are a common complaint in Germany. About one third of adults are affected, according to the RKI. (Image: Gerhard Seybert / fotolia.com)

Massive increase in allergic diseases
This GEDA study not only made it clear that just under a third of adults in this country suffer from allergic diseases, but also showed the temporal trend in the development of allergies.So, according to the RKI, for example, in hay fever data from three surveys since 1990 / 92, who have determined the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) on the basis of a self-assessment. The studies show that the prevalence has almost doubled by 2008/11. "Currently, about 12.3 million adults in Germany say they are affected by allergic rhinitis," reports the RKI.

More than 23,000 people interviewed
The current study also confirmed known factors such as a higher frequency of allergies in women compared to men or the increased incidence of allergies in upper education. At 31.6 percent, women were significantly more affected than men at 24.5 percent. Most commonly, middle-aged adults (30-64 years) from upper education suffer from allergies. The study was based on the data of 23,342 participants aged 18 years and over, who provided information on the presence of allergic diseases in the last twelve months (12-month prevalence of allergies)..

30 million allergy sufferers in Germany
"Since the 1970s, the frequency of allergies in Germany has risen sharply" and "estimates amount to a total of up to 30 million sufferers whose individual quality of life and performance can be severely impaired," reports the RKI. Here, in addition to continuous allergy monitoring and further research into potential risk and protective factors, significantly increased efforts are needed for early diagnosis and adequate care for allergy sufferers.

React quickly to signs of allergy
If allergic diseases become chronic, they are usually associated with a high need for care, considerable loss of quality of life and impaired performance, according to the RKI. Anyone who has symptoms of an allergy should therefore seek medical help at an early stage. As an indication of an allergy, for example, "flow colds, sneezing attacks, burning and tearing eyes, difficulty breathing to breathlessness or agonizing itching of the skin" are known, the RKI. (Fp)