Topic Index

Allergy

Asthma

Immune Disorders

Glossary

Allergy and asthma are among the most common heath problems, with more than 60 million people afflicted with asthma, seasonal hay fever, or other allergy-related conditions each year.

Allergies can affect anyone. Generally, allergies are more common in children; however, a first-time occurrence can happen at any age, or recur after many years of remission.

Allergies tend to occur in families, although the exact genetic factors that cause it are not yet understood.

Food allergies are seen in 6 percent of children under age 3 and 3 percent of adults.

Nearly 25 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with asthma, with at least 5 million of them children under age 18.

Asthma is the third ranking cause of childhood hospitalizations.

Reviewed Date: 07-01-2012