The Cost Burden of These Conditions

Asthma costs the United States an estimated $82 billion per year in medical expenses, missed school and work days, and premature death, according to CDC and American Lung Association analyses. Asthma is among the most common chronic diseases of childhood and a leading cause of pediatric hospitalization and school absenteeism.

Food allergy costs the U.S. an estimated $24.8 billion annually (roughly $4,184 per child per year), including direct medical care, special allergen-free foods, and lost caregiver productivity, according to a 2013 study published in JAMA Pediatrics. Childhood food allergy is also linked to significant out-of-pocket spending on epinephrine auto-injectors and emergency care.

Anaphylaxis imposes substantial emergency-care and hospitalization costs, and the price of epinephrine auto-injectors has been a recurring access and affordability concern. Out-of-pocket costs for epinephrine vary widely by insurance plan and manufacturer, and lack of affordable access has been linked to preventable severe outcomes.

Asthma affects an estimated 262 million people worldwide and caused over 455,000 deaths globally, according to the Global Asthma Report and WHO. Food allergy prevalence is rising in many regions, with significant variation in labeling laws, diagnosis rates, and emergency access. Lower-income countries bear disproportionate asthma mortality despite lower overall prevalence.

Allergic and respiratory disease costs fall hardest on low-income families and communities of color, who face higher asthma hospitalization rates, more severe outcomes, and greater barriers to affording controllers, epinephrine, and allergen-free foods. Food-insecure households face additional risk when medically necessary diets are unaffordable.

Beyond medical bills, allergic and respiratory conditions drive substantial indirect costs: missed school days, caregiver lost wages, workplace absenteeism, and travel restrictions (including airline nut policies and special meal costs). These compound the direct cost burden and affect quality of life for families.