Allergies Worldwide
According to the World Allergy Organization, allergic diseases constitute the most common cause of chronic illness in developed countries. Wherever prevalence studies have been conducted there is evidence of a steady increase in populations suffering from allergies. In fact, it has now been proposed that there is a worldwide epidemic of allergic diseases with food sensitivities on a sharp rise.
The World Allergy Organization has also estimated that allergies are affecting an estimated 22% of the world population and could be as high as 45% in some regions. All around the world, allergies are on the increase and even doubling by some statistics, in the last 25 years. In countries like New Zealand, estimates are showing an increase of 50% just in the last ten years.
The economic impact of allergic conditions is remarkable. Approximately $20 billion is spent globally each year just on allergic rhinitis, which includes medications, time off from work and physician consultations. The cost of allergy medications alone is estimated to be $8 billion per annum.
Medical treatment includes: allergen avoidance, medications for symptoms relief or injections for allergen desensitization. There is currently no medical treatment for food allergies or sensitivities.
Avoidance measures can have a considerable negative impact on the quality of life for patients with multiple allergies/sensitivities, particularly to foods. Avoidance may be impossible for those with sensitivities to airborne pollens, pollution and/or chemicals in building materials. Medications relieve symptoms but do not eliminate the underlying cause of the reaction. Symptoms typically return shortly after medications are discontinued. Medication side effects pose another significant problem. Allergen desensitization via immunotherapy requires a series of injections taken over the span of years.
Drugs such as antihistamines relieve symptoms of the allergy but do not eliminate the cause of the reaction so once the sufferer stops using the drugs, the symptoms typically return. However, many over-the-counter and prescribed medications can be very effective and offer significant relief. Aside from the short-term nature of drug-based treatment, many people suffer side effects from drugs and the long-term effects of drug use on the body are unknown. Desensitizing the patient to the allergen involves a series of injections over many months and sometimes years.
AAT is able to successfully address the underlying cause of the reaction thereby eliminating the need for substance avoidance, medications or injections.
Advanced Allergy Therapeutics has met the challenge of the allergy epidemic in the 21st century by offering a pain-free, drug-free treatment that effectively eliminates allergies and sensitivities.