ASTHMA continues to present a considerable burden, often compromising quality of life, and its impact may be heightened when accompanied by allergy. A recent study examined the prevalence of asthma–allergy comorbidity across the United States using nationally representative 2021 National Health Interview Survey data, including 7343 children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 years and 29,329 adults aged 18 years or older. The research assessed both the frequency of these conditions and the demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with them.
The study found that almost 8% of individuals aged two years and above had asthma, while more than half (52.3%) reported allergy symptoms. Comorbidity patterns differed by age and sex. Among children and adolescents, boys were more likely than girls to experience asthma alongside allergy (6.2% versus 5.0%). In contrast, among adults, women had a notably higher prevalence than men (8.3% compared with 4.9%). These results suggest that gender differences in asthma–allergy comorbidity shift with age.
Marked disparities also emerged along socioeconomic and racial lines. People with lower incomes, particularly those living below 100% of the federal poverty level, were more likely to experience both asthma and allergy than those at or above 200% of the poverty threshold. In addition, non-Hispanic Black individuals showed a higher prevalence compared with their non-Hispanic White counterparts.
Within the asthma population, the burden of allergy was substantial: 82.1% reported allergy symptoms, and 67.3% had received a lifetime allergy diagnosis. While sex differences in allergy symptoms were evident among adults with asthma, they were not observed in children or adolescents with the condition. Importantly, asthma attacks were found to be associated with allergy symptoms in adults, highlighting the clinical relevance of comorbidity.
These findings emphasise the importance of recognising and treating allergies in people with asthma, in line with national management guidelines. By addressing both conditions together, healthcare providers may better reduce disparities and improve outcomes for affected populations.
Reference
Pate CA et al. Asthma and allergy comorbidity among the US population aged 2 years or older, National Health Interview Survey, 2021. Public Health Rep. 2025;DOI:10.1177/00333549251358658.
