From Work to Sex, Allergies Take Toll
And They're On the Rise In Western Countries
Aug. 30, 2002 -- Allergies aren't just a problem for your nose and eyes; they can affect everything from your productivity at work to your sex life at home. A new survey reveals that 94% of allergy sufferers say their condition negatively affects their quality of life, but few do anything about it.
And another study released today shows allergies -- and the problems that go with them -- are on the rise worldwide among children and adults.
The poll, sponsored by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), found only 50% of people with allergies consider the disease a serious medical condition, and less than a third consulted an allergist or doctor the last time their symptoms acted up.
That's despite the fact that the survey of 300 allergy sufferers showed they complain that their condition negatively affects their quality of life in many ways, including:
"What people need to know is that there is no need to suffer the health and quality of life consequences of allergies, and they should seek the help of a medical expert," says Bobby Lanier, MD, president of ACAAI, in a news release.
The survey shows that many allergy sufferers are confused about their allergies and how to treat them. For example, 41% of the respondents thought they had a cold or a virus when they first began suffering from allergies, and allergy sufferers try an average of five over-the-counter medications before finding one that works.
The symptoms of a cold such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, fatigue, and fever can easily be confused with those of seasonal allergies, which include watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, congestion, or itchy throat. That's why experts say it's important to see an allergist or doctor if these symptoms persist.
"Allergies and their symptoms not only cause quality of life consequences such as fatigue, impaired work performance and general malaise, but also, insufficiently treated allergies often lead to serious conditions such as sinus or ear infections, asthma and sleep problems," says Lanier.
From Work to Sex, Allergies Take Toll
And They're On the Rise In Western Countries
Aug. 30, 2002 -- Allergies aren't just a problem for your nose and eyes; they can affect everything from your productivity at work to your sex life at home. A new survey reveals that 94% of allergy sufferers say their condition negatively affects their quality of life, but few do anything about it.
And another study released today shows allergies -- and the problems that go with them -- are on the rise worldwide among children and adults.
The poll, sponsored by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), found only 50% of people with allergies consider the disease a serious medical condition, and less than a third consulted an allergist or doctor the last time their symptoms acted up.
That's despite the fact that the survey of 300 allergy sufferers showed they complain that their condition negatively affects their quality of life in many ways, including:
- Getting a good night's sleep (68%)
- Doing outdoor activities (53%)
- Being able to concentrate (50%)
- Being productive at work (43%)
- Sex life (13%)
"What people need to know is that there is no need to suffer the health and quality of life consequences of allergies, and they should seek the help of a medical expert," says Bobby Lanier, MD, president of ACAAI, in a news release.
The survey shows that many allergy sufferers are confused about their allergies and how to treat them. For example, 41% of the respondents thought they had a cold or a virus when they first began suffering from allergies, and allergy sufferers try an average of five over-the-counter medications before finding one that works.
The symptoms of a cold such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, fatigue, and fever can easily be confused with those of seasonal allergies, which include watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, congestion, or itchy throat. That's why experts say it's important to see an allergist or doctor if these symptoms persist.
"Allergies and their symptoms not only cause quality of life consequences such as fatigue, impaired work performance and general malaise, but also, insufficiently treated allergies often lead to serious conditions such as sinus or ear infections, asthma and sleep problems," says Lanier.