How common is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is a common disease and the most common of the allergic diseases. It affects about 40 million people in the United States.1

Whether you are affected by allergic rhinitis varies by age. Of people who have allergic rhinitis:2

  • 32% are age 17 and younger.
  • 43% are age 18 to 44.
  • 17% are age 45 to 64.
  • 8% are age 65 and older.

Most people who have allergic rhinitis have a parent, brother, or sister who has allergic rhinitis, asthma, or skin allergies. It is more likely a child will have an allergy if both parents have an allergy or have the same type of allergy.3



Author: Debby Golonka, MPH Last Updated: August 8, 2007
Medical Review: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology

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