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Allergic diseases are among the most common health issues children and adolescents face. Allergic reactions occur when the immune system becomes allergically sensitised and are detected by measuring levels of specific immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE antibodies) in the blood. This article discusses the prevalences of bronchial asthma, hay fever, atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis for 0- to 17-year-olds, as well as the prevalence of allergic sensitisation to a mix of frequent inhalant allergens (SX1) among 3- to 17-year-olds based on data from the second wave of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS Wave 2, 2014-2017). 12-month prevalence trends between KiGGS Wave 2 and the KiGGS baseline study (2003-2006) are shown according to gender and age group. There were no significant changes in the 12-month prevalence of hay fever (8.8%) atopic dermatitis (7.0%) and bronchial asthma (3.5%) compared to the KiGGS baseline study, which indicates a stabilisation at a high level. More than one in six children (16.1%) currently suffer from at least one of these three diseases. 37.1% of 3- to 17-year-olds are sensitised to the multiple allergen mix SX1. Similar to the development of disease prevalence, SX1 sensitisation too has remained stable at a high level over the course of the past ten years.

The prevalence of allergies has increased dramatically during recent decades, and thus, got into the focus of public health. As part of the 2014 German Health Update (GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS), 28.1% of respondents reported that they were affected by an allergic disease other than asthma. Reports of allergies are more common among women than men and among younger and middle-aged adults than people over the age of 65. Adults with higher levels of education stated more frequently that they are affected by allergies than adults with lower levels of education. Allergic reactions occur in various organ systems, but the skin, mucous membranes, respiratory tract and the intestines are most commonly affected. As allergic reactions often significantly restrict people’s quality of life, early diagnosis and appropriate care for sufferers is essential.