Distribution and perception of allergies in the German general population

Objective: To obtain population based data on prevalence of allergies and to provide insight into allergy care and perceptions among German general population. Methods: A random representative sample of the German population (>18 years) was recruited for a computer assisted telephone survey in Feb. 2012. Descriptive data was stratified by relevant criteria (age, sex, region and health insurance status). Results: For 51% of n=1.004 respondents the topic “allergy” was personally relevant. One third (33%) rated a physician-diagnosed allergy. Prevalence was higher in women (39%; men 27%) and in persons with higher educational level (39% vs. 33% lowest level). The most common allergen (43%) was pollen; 15% reported contact dermatitis (women 21%, men 5%). The majority of allergic persons (53%) felt (highly) burdened, 48% were limited in daily activities due to allergic symptoms. 70% have ever seen a physician/other therapist for their allergy (East: 62%, West 72%); GPs (45%) and dermatologists (41%) were consulted mainly. Self-medication was frequent among allergic persons (58%); and most prevalent in highest income and education groups as well as in West Germany. Medical treatment of acute symptoms was reported by 21% of the respondents who suffered from allergic symptoms in the last 12 months.Regarding allergy perception, 39% appraised allergies as “easily treatable”; this was more prevalent in women and in privately insured. In an open question on potential allergy triggers environmental factors were mentioned most often (26%), chemical agents were stated by 12% of respondents from East- and by 6% from West-Germany. Conclusions: About one third of the German general adult population is affected by allergies and constricted by acute symptoms. There is evidence for need of improvement concerning awareness and appraisal of allergies–which are not distributed evenly over social groups. In particular, there is a gap of using adequate medical treatment of acute symptoms.

allergies - epidemiology - prevalence