Scale of problem not to be sneezed at as half of adults suffer allergies

ALMOST half of adults suffer from an allergy, with hayfever being the most common complaint, research has revealed.

Half of women have at least one allergy compared with 37 per cent of men, according to the study.

Allergies appear to be on the rise across the UK although health researchers are still investigating the reasons.

The poll of more than 1,000 people, by market analyst Mintel, found that 44 per cent have an allergy, with 48 per cent of those suffering from more than one.

Those under 35 were the most likely to have an allergy, with 48 per cent suffering, compared with 37 per cent of people aged 55-64.

Allergy to pollen was the most common followed by house dust mites and pets.

Other allergies included mould, rubber and metal.

Dairy products and fish or seafood were the most common food allergies, while 2 per cent of people said they had a nut allergy.

However, fewer than half of sufferers said their allergy had been diagnosed by a doctor or nurse.

Alexandra Richmond, senior health and beauty analyst at Mintel, said: "An estimated 21 million adults in the UK suffer from at least one allergy, with 10 million suffering from more than one.

"There are only a limited number of NHS allergy clinics in the UK and so waiting lists for testing tend to be long and people are left with little choice but to research their symptoms to identify what they are allergic to."