Late last year the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) released a report, 'Economic Impact of Allergies' that states the financial cost of allergies (including food allergy) in Australia was $7.8 billion in 2007. This is due to lower productivity ("presenteeism" $4.2 billion), direct medical costs ($1.2 billion) lower employment rates ($1.1 billion), absenteeism and lost household productivity ($0.2 billion) and premature death ($83 million).

Individuals with allergies and their families bear 49% of the financial costs of allergic disease. For example, patients with allergies spend over $120 million per year on allergy medications.

In terms of reduced quality of life, the report estimates the financial cost to Australians who suffer from allergy is $21.5 billion. This is approximately double the estimated figures for arthritis ($11.7 billion) and hearing loss ($11.7 billion). 

Not only does Australia have one of the highest prevalences of allergic disorders in the developed world, but recent studies have demonstrated a doubling in some conditions such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and eczema, but more recently, potentially dangerous anaphylaxis (mainly due to food) as well. Asthma, hay fever, chronic sinusitis and "other allergy" comprise 4 of the top 10 most common long-term self-reported illnesses in youth aged 12-24 years in Australia.

The full 1.6MB report can be downloaded directly from the ASCIA website:  www.allergy.org.au/content/view/327/274/ or contact the Allergen Bureau.