by Dr. John McKeon, Medical director at Airmid and expert author on Aerobiology, infections aerosols and indoor air. Dr McKeon is an Ambassador of the World Filtration Institute, an accredited educator for the American Institute of Architects and a member of the Environmental Health Committee of ASHRAE.
Published May 2019
Understanding the Global Burden of Asthma and Allergies
Asthma and allergies continue to affect millions of people worldwide, with rising prevalence and significant impacts on daily life, productivity, and healthcare systems. According to the Global Asthma Report, over 339 million people globally had asthma as of 2019, up from 300 million in previous estimates.
In the United States alone, approximately 25 million people (or 1 in 13 Americans) had asthma in 2019, accounting for nearly 7.6% of the population. This includes:
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20.4 million adults
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4.8 million children
Asthma: A Chronic Respiratory Condition with Real-World Consequences
Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs where inflammation causes airways to become narrowed or blocked. Common triggers include airborne allergens and irritants such as dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and chemical pollutants. Symptoms include:
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Coughing
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Wheezing
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Chest tightness
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Shortness of breath
While asthma is a manageable condition, it remains a serious public health concern. Facts about asthma and allergies include:
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In 2019, 10 people died from asthma every day in the U.S.
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Asthma caused over 1.6 million emergency department visits and nearly 180,000 hospitalizations annually.
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Adults with asthma reported missing 14.2 million workdays each year due to their symptoms.
The Economic Impact of Asthma and Allergy Products
Americans spend over $10 billion each year on non-medicinal consumer products marketed for people with asthma and allergies. These include:
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Vacuum cleaners and air purifiers
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Bedding and mattresses
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Flooring and soft furnishings
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Plush toys and household cleaners
However, not all products marketed for asthma and allergies are independently tested or proven effective. Third-party scientific testing, such as that conducted by Airmid Healthgroup, helps consumers make informed choices.
Genetics and Risk Factors
Asthma and allergies both have strong genetic links:
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If one parent has asthma or allergies, their child has a 1 in 3 chance of inheriting the condition.
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If both parents are affected, the risk increases to 7 in 10.
Asthma in Daily Life: The Numbers Behind the Condition
Every day in the United States, asthma leads to:
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30,000 asthma attacks
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5,000 emergency room visits
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1,000 hospital admissions
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40,000 missed school or workdays
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10+ deaths
Allergies: Immune System Overreactions with Serious Impacts
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to substances that are normally harmless, such as pollen, dust mites, food proteins, or pet dander. Symptoms can range from mild (sneezing, watery eyes) to life-threatening (anaphylaxis). Key facts include:
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Over 50 million Americans experience allergies annually.
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Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S.
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Like asthma, allergies are chronic but manageable with prevention and treatment.
No Cures, But There Is Hope
There are currently no cures for asthma or allergies and the facts about asthma and allergies are stark. However, both conditions can be effectively managed through:
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Avoidance of triggers
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Environmental controls
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Appropriate medications
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Use of scientifically tested and certified products
At Airmid Healthgroup, we support research and product testing that contributes to healthier indoor environments, particularly for individuals living with asthma and allergies.
Related Services at Airmid Healthgroup
- Custom Bioaerosol Protocol Development
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Simulation Services
- Room Air Cleaner Testing Services
- Furnace Filters and HVAC Systems Testing Services
Related Blogs from Airmid Healthgroup
- From Lab Bench to Loyalty: The People Powering Health-Focused Innovation
- Fellowes AeraMax™ Air Purifiers – Validated for Healthier Indoor Air at the 2025 AHR Show
- ASHRAE Winter Meeting Reflections
- Independent HVAC Filtration Testing
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