A Growing Concern: Allergies in Australia

One in five Australians live with an allergic disease.

About Allergies

What is an allergy?

An allergy is the body’s heightened sensitivity to certain substances, known as allergens, which trigger an immune response. Allergies can appear as food allergies, airborne allergies, or contact allergies, and may cause symptoms ranging from hay fever and watery eyes to, in rare cases, severe reactions like anaphylaxis. While some allergic tendencies run in families, we don’t inherit the allergy itself - just a predisposition to react to certain triggers.

40%

of Australian primary school-age children have an allergic disease; one third have multiple allergic diagnoses.

Main Causes of Allergies

Most allergens come from household dust!

Household dust is a leading trigger for allergic reactions. It contains nearly all allergens present in the home, such as allergens of pets, moulds and plant pollen.

Where does household dust accumulate?

Household dust tends to build up in areas where people spend the most time or where fabrics and soft surfaces trap particles. Common hotspots include mattresses, beds, quilts, pillows, upholstered furniture, carpets, rugs, curtains, and plush toys. Regularly treating these areas can help reduce allergens and prevent allergy symptoms.

ALLERGICRHINITIS

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis develop when a sensitised person inhales allergens. Within minutes, this can trigger watery nasal discharge, a blocked or congested nose, itching, and sneezing. Ongoing exposure may increase the risk of acute or chronic sinus issues.

The severity of symptoms depends on individual sensitivity and the concentration of allergens in the home. In more severe or chronic cases, allergic rhinitis can affect sleep, daily activity, and concentration at work or school. Year-round symptoms caused by constant exposure to household allergens are a hallmark of this condition. Unlike a common cold, which usually resolves in about 10 days, allergic rhinitis persists as long as allergens are present.

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common allergic conditions, affecting one in five people in Australia. It often occurs alongside other allergic conditions such as asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis.

ATOPIC DERMATITIS (ECZEMA)

Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is one of the most prevalent skin conditions worldwide. Its first signs often appear in early childhood, affecting around 30% of children and 2-8% of adults in Australia. In fact, up to 80% of children with eczema will develop asthma later in childhood.

Eczema is linked to a genetically determined weakness in the skin’s barrier. When this barrier is deficient in natural fatty acids, allergens can penetrate more easily, leading to dryness, inflammation, and persistent itching.

It often appears alongside other allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, hives, and food sensitivities. Environmental triggers like house dust mite allergens, pet dander, mould, and pollen can further aggravate symptoms.

While eczema can be challenging, understanding its causes and managing the skin barrier can make a world of difference in comfort and confidence.

Symptoms

Typical signs of atopic dermatitis include itching, dry or inflamed skin, and areas of thickened or roughened skin. People with eczema often have lower levels of ceramides and natural fatty acids in their skin, which means the skin holds less moisture and loses it more quickly. As a result, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and more prone to tiny cracks and irritation.

Eczema can also occur alongside other allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, hives, and food allergies. Common triggers include dust mites, pet dander, mould, pollen, and certain foods. These allergens can enter the body through the air, the skin, or even the digestive system, contributing to flare-ups.

  • Pediatric AD

    Symptoms often appear soon after birth, with the skin becomingdry, red, or irritated. In some cases,small patches of inflammation or oozing may develop, typically in areas such as theelbows, knees, and skin folds.

  • Children's

    Dry, rough skin is often accompanied by flaking and thickening, especially in areas like theskin folds and forehead.Small bumps or textured patchesmay also appear around theelbows and knees, where the skin is more prone to irritation.

  • Adult-onset AD

    In adults, skin irritation often appears in areas such as theelbows, knees, and the base of the neck. In some cases, the affected areas may extend across larger parts of the body and are oftenmost noticeable on the face and neck, where the skin is thinner and more sensitive.

ASTHMA

Allergens found in the home, particularly house dust mites, can contribute to chronic inflammation in the airways. This often leads to episodes of coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and increased mucus production. When the airways become overly reactive to environmental triggers, it’s known as bronchial hyperresponsiveness - a hallmark of asthma.

Nearly 2.8 million people have asthma in Australia, representing about 11% of all Australians. Sadly, nearly half (43%) of the 31,000 hospitalisations for asthma occurred in children aged 14 and under during 2022–2023.

Several environmental factors can increase the risk or worsen symptoms, including:

  • Exposure to airborne allergens
  • Respiratory infections, especially viral
  • Air pollution and exhaust fumes
  • Certain dietary triggers or food allergies

By managing exposure to allergens and supporting airway health, it’s possible to reduce symptom flare-ups and improve overall quality of life.

Symptoms

Asthma is marked by variable and reversible narrowing of the airways, known as bronchial hyperresponsiveness. This can happen spontaneously or be triggered by physical, chemical, or biological factors.

During flare-ups, symptoms can worsen, leading to increased shortness of breath, persistent coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness, which may temporarily affect lung function. Chronic inflammation can also cause changes in the airway tissues, making breathing more difficult over time.

During an asthma attack, airway muscles tighten, the lining swells, and thick mucus is produced, creating a feeling of transient chest tightness.

Diagnostics

In Australia, asthma is diagnosed based ontypical symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Doctors may also usespecialised tests, such asspirometry, to measure airflow and assess how well the lungs are working

ELIMINATION OF ALLERGENS FROM THE ENVIRONMENT

  • relieves the symptoms
  • reduces the risk of exacerbations
  • protects against the development of allergic disease

Course of the disease and its treatment

Asthma is a disease with a variable course, may be perennial or seasonal. It may be related to physical exercise undertaken, harmful environmental influence or occur as a side effect of some drugs. In each case, the disease may be different – its course may be mild, moderate or severe.

A crucial element of prevention and treatment of asthma is eliminating allergens from the environment. Effective measures may relieve the symptoms, reduce the risk of exacerbation and protect against the development of allergic disease.