Australia’s $7 Billion Allergy Burden

The cost of allergies to the Australian economy is more than $7 billion per year, and most Australians face a wait many months to see a specialist, if they can access care at all. These are among key findings in a report by Access Economics released by the Australasian Society for Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA).

The report, ‘Economic Impact of Allergies’ outlines how the financial cost of allergies in 2007 was $7.8 billion, with lost productivity and health system expenditure the major contributing factors. The estimated cost to Australians who suffer from allergy due to reduced quality of life (the “burden of disease”) is estimated at $21.5 billion, 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), 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. ASCIA President Elect Associate Professor Raymond Mullins said the new report is a wake up call. “We know that allergic disorders are a major health issue for many afflicted people in our community,” A/Prof Mullins said. “Now we know the tremendous cost to the economy as well. Yet for the 4.1 million or 1 in 5 affected, mainly young adults and their children, the report also shows that half the financial burden falls directly on them. “Much medication is not subsidised by the PBS nor counts towards the Medicare safety net. Our allergy patients spend over $120 million/year on conventional across-the-counter allergy medicines, additional amounts on prescription drugs as well as untold amounts on alternative medicines, with often several family members affected. Our patients are short changed when it comes to equitable access to effective therapies”. A/Prof Mullins said ASCIA wants the Federal and State Governments to address the problems identified in the report, improve standards of care, ease the financial burden on those suffering from allergies and address regional barriers to accessing care. Allergic disorders mostly affect children and young adults and have a negative impact on quality of life. In children these disorders affect sleep, impair learning, memory and behaviour. Children with food allergies are also at significant risk, and the condition means extra stress for their families over issues such as care at school, risk of death and the need for emergency medication in the form of injectable adrenaline. In adults, allergic disorders lead to impaired quality of life, increased absenteeism from work, reduced productivity when they are at work (“presenteeism”) and are a significant financial burden. (Source: Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy : November 2007)