And 51% of women have at least one allergy compared with 37% of
men, according to the study. Allergies appear to be on the rise
across the UK although health researchers are still
investigating the exact reasons why. Today's poll of more than
1,000 people, from market analyst Mintel, found that 44% of
people have an allergy, with 48% of those suffering from more
than one. Those under 35 were the most likely to have an allergy
(48%) compared with 37% of people aged 55 to 64. Allergy to
pollen was the most common (26%), followed by house dust mites
(11%) and pets (9%). Other allergies included mould (4%), rubber
(2%) and metal (1%). Dairy (including eggs) and fish or seafood
(4%) were the most common food allergies, while 2% of people
said they had a nut allergy. However, fewer than half (49%) of
sufferers said their allergy had been diagnosed by a doctor or
nurse. Last year, Allergy UK estimated that four out of 10
people in Britain wuold suffer an allergy at some point in their
lives. Alexandra Richmond, seni