Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis
Global Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is approximately affecting 10-30 percent of the adult population worldwide, and its prevalence is persistently increasing, most specifically in the developing countries. The reports also show that parallel to developing countries, the most developed and high-income countries are also facing allergic rhinitis issues in adults. For example, China, the largest country of 1.4 billion people, is the worst affected by this condition, and over recent decades it has established itself as a leading chronic disorder in emerging populations (1). Research reports also depict that among genders, females are relatively more susceptible to allergic rhinitis, while on the other side, the disease remission rates are higher in males rather than females (2).
Prevalence in United States
Studies have reported that allergic rhinitis affects up to 60 million people in the United States. Among these people approximately 75 percent show moderate to severe symptoms, while 35-50 percent of adults reported that nasal allergy has a pronounced effect on their daily routine life (3).
Prevalence in children
In children, in contrast to adults, most of the time allergic rhinitis continues to remain undiagnosed over a longer period of time, as they don’t exhibit typical nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis to their parents and caregivers that ultimately keep them away from proper treatment measures. Though this condition is not linked with morbidity and mortality, the overall quality of life of the children is compromised as they are going through growth and development processes, and this causes severe interruption in their daily physical and mental health activities.
It is reported by the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) that currently 4.2 to 12.7% (6–7 years) and 45.1% (13–14 years) of children worldwide show rhino-conjunctivitis symptoms.
Different studies depict different percentage data of the prevalence of allergic rhinitis, as a study from Australia reported it in approximately 12.9% (6–7 years) and 19.3% (13–14 years) of children, whereas others showed even higher prevalence data.
There may be some regional variations in the prevalence of this condition, but overall it is progressively increasing in children and raising concerns regarding child health and development processes (4).
Prevalence by Gender
Epidemiological studies generally demonstrate that allergic rhinitis is more common in males during childhood, with boys having greater rates of sensitization and symptomatic illness than females. However, this pattern shifts around adolescence, when the incidence is similar across both sexes or somewhat higher among females.
In adulthood, several population-based studies indicate near equivalence or a little female predominance, which is influenced in part by diagnostic awareness and health-seeking habits in females. Overall, allergic rhinitis follows a definite age-dependent gender pattern: male-dominant in childhood, leveling off at puberty, and somewhat greater in women later in life (5).
Prevalence by Season (USA + Worldwide)
Allergic rhinitis is quite widespread worldwide, affects approximately 10-30% of adults population, with global assessments indicating a median adult prevalence of roughly 18%. Seasonal allergic rhinitis normally surges in the spring in response to tree pollens, then rises again in early summer with grass pollens, and finally spikes in late summer to fall due to weed and ragweed pollen. Although outdoor pollen counts are often lower throughout the winter, many people continue to experience symptoms from indoor allergens such as dust mites and molds.
Globally, temperate regions have similar spring-summer-fall peaks, although Mediterranean climates may have earlier and longer pollen seasons. Tropical and humid climates often have a less distinct seasonal pattern, with many patients suffering from symptoms throughout the entire year due to persistent indoor allergens. According to research, climate change is lengthening pollen seasons and increasing pollen intensity, contributing to increased global prevalence and prolonged symptomatic periods (6).
Prevalence by type (Seasonal vs Perennial Rhinitis)
Allergic rhinitis is frequently classified into two types: Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (SAR) and Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR), with each having its own global prevalence pattern. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, which is frequently associated with outdoor pollens such as trees, grasses, and weeds, affects a large proportion of the worl]d’s population. Large epidemiological studies suggest that SAR accounts for 60-70% of all allergic rhinitis cases, making it the most prevalent clinical presentation in areas with defined pollen seasons. Its prevalence is maximum in the spring, summer, and early fall, depending on local pollen calendars.
In contrast, perennial allergic rhinitis, which is predominantly caused by indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, and indoor molds, accounts for 20-40% of allergic rhinitis cases, with symptoms occurring throughout the whole year. The condition is more common in humid and tropical climates, where dust-mite contact is persistent
throughout the year, and in urbanized areas, where indoor allergen exposure is higher.
SAR predominates in high-income temperate regions such as the United States and parts of Europe due to clearly defined pollen seasons. However, a significant percentage of patients have mixed patterns, with persistent symptoms worsening at pollen peaks. Globally, prevalence varies by region: SAR is more widespread in temperate regions, but PAR is more common in tropical, subtropical, and heavily populated cities. Climate change, increasing humidity, and changing indoor living patterns are also thought to contribute to the increasing prevalence of both SAR and PAR, with longer pollen seasons and higher allergen exposure worsening the overall disease burden(5).
Trends and Future Projections
Allergic rhinitis is increasing in frequency worldwide, driven by environmental, climatic, and lifestyle changes that affect both allergen exposure and individual sensitivity. Epidemiological data demonstrate a persistent growing trend over the previous three decades, with global prevalence rising in both adults and children. Urbanization, reduced early-life microbial exposure, increased pollution levels, and a shift toward indoor lifestyles have all contributed to increasing sensitivity rates. At the same time, pollen monitoring data indicates that pollen seasons are starting earlier, lasting longer, and creating higher allergen concentrations than in previous decades. These changes have resulted in more severe and persistent seasonal symptoms, generating a rising overlap between seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in many regions.
In the future, researchers predict that allergic rhinitis will become more common worldwide. Rising temperatures and higher CO₂ levels are expected to stimulate plant growth and pollen production, enhancing seasonal peaks and expanding the geographic range of allergenic species like ragweed. Temperate countries may have longer pollen seasons, whereas tropical and humid climates are predicted to have consistently high levels of perennial triggers such as dust mites and molds. By the mid-century, researchers expect that millions more people may suffer from allergy sensitization as a result of environmental changes alone. These changes underline the importance of enhanced surveillance systems, early detection and prevention efforts, and public health programs that anticipate changing allergy patterns. Understanding future forecasts will be critical for doctors, governments, and patients as the worldwide burden of allergic rhinitis increases (7).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
1. How common is allergic rhinitis worldwide?
It affects approximately 10–30% of adults, with rates increasing in many countries
2. How many people have allergic rhinitis in the United States?
Studies report that up to 60 million people in the US are affected.
3. Is allergic rhinitis becoming more common?
Yes. Data over recent decades show a steady rise in prevalence in both adults and children.
4. Is allergic rhinitis more common in males or females?
It is more common in boys during childhood, then becomes similar or slightly higher in females in adulthood.
5. Does allergic rhinitis vary by season?
Yes. Symptoms usually peak in spring, summer, and fall due to different pollens, while indoor allergens drive year-round symptoms.
References
- Zhang, X., Zhang, M., Sui, H., Li, C., Huang, Z., Liu, B., Song, X., Liao, S., Yu, M., Luan, T., Zuberbier, T., Wang, L., Zhao, Z., & Wu, J. (2023). Prevalence and risk factors of allergic rhinitis among Chinese adults: A nationwide representative cross-sectional study. World Allergy Organization Journal, 16(3), 100744
- Vasileiadou, S., Goksör, E., Wennergren, G., Rönmark, E., & Hedman, L. (2023). Allergic rhinitis: Incidence and remission from childhood to young adulthood—A prospective study. The study was published in the journal Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, volume 34, issue 7, on page e70078.
- Peifer, S. J., Helmen, Z. M., Duffield, S., Shields, C., Mehra, S., Lerner, D. K., & Gadkaree, S. K. (2025). The study focuses on the underrepresented populations and the barriers to healthcare access associated with allergic rhinitis. The Laryngoscope, 135(9), 3071-3081.
- Imoto, Y., Sakashita, M., Tokunaga, T., Kanno, M., Saito, K., Shimizu, A., Maegawa, A., & Fujieda, S. (2024). Recent prevalence of allergic rhinitis caused by house dust mites among the pediatric population in Fukui, Japan. World Allergy Organization Journal, 17(7), Article 100932.
- Bousquet, J., Schünemann, H. J., Togias, A., Zuberbier, T., Rush, N., Bachert, C., … & Haahtela, T. (2020). Allergic rhinitis. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 6, 62. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-020-00227-0
- Savouré, M., Bousquet, J., Jaakkola, J. J. K., Jaakkola, M. S., Jacquemin, B., & Nadif, R. (2022). Worldwide prevalence of rhinitis in adults: A review of definitions and temporal evolution. Clinical and Translational Allergy, 12(3), e12130. https://doi.org/10.1002/clt2.12130
- Ziska, L. H., Makra, L., Harry, S. K., Bruffaerts, N., Hendrickx, M., Coates, F., & Knowlton, K. (2019). Temperature-related changes in airborne allergenic pollen abundance and seasonality across the northern hemisphere. Science Advances, 5(7), eaav7610. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aav7610