Allergies are on the rise in the Netherlands. Over the past decade, the country has seen a notable increase in allergy prevalence, according to a recent health survey by CBS. 21% of the population was affected in 2023, up from 18% in 2014. The surge is particularly common among 25-35-year-olds, where nearly a third report allergies. Intriguingly, urban dwellers are more susceptible, with 24% affected in highly urbanized areas compared to 17% in rural regions. As Europe braces for half its population to have allergies by 2025, Dutch hospitals are turning to innovation.
Age and gender disparities
The prevalence of allergic reactions is considerably lower among the youngest and oldest demographics, with 8% of children aged 0 to 4 and 10% of individuals over 75 reporting allergies. Gender differences are also significant. Adult women are more likely to suffer from allergies than their male counterparts, with 29% of women aged 45-50 affected compared to 20% of men in the same age group. However, the trend is reversed in children under 15, where boys are more prone to allergies than girls.
Effects of urbanization
Urbanization appears to play a critical role in reported allergy rates. In very strongly urbanized areas, 23.6% of residents report allergies, compared to 16.7% in non-urbanised regions. This pattern suggests that environmental factors common in urban settings, such as pollution and lifestyle differences, might contribute to the higher incidence of allergies.
Revolutionary allergy detection
In response to the increasing allergy rates, some Dutch hospitals are now adopting cutting-edge technology for allergy detection. The Skin Prick Automated Test (SPAT), developed by Hippo Dx, is a breakthrough in allergy testing. This device automates the skin prick test, making it faster, more accurate, and cost-effective.
With the ability to perform 12 allergen pricks in 10 seconds and analyze reactions using 32 photos through artificial intelligence, SPAT provides more consistent results than conventional diagnostic methods. The AI-integrated software increases efficiency by allowing nurses to test for 12 types of allergies, including nuts and milk. The procedure is less painful for patients and the results can be digitally accessed in less than 15 minutes.
Future of allergy testing
The introduction of SPAT in hospitals across the country represents a significant advancement in managing the allergy epidemic. As the prevalence of allergies continues to rise, such innovations are crucial. Hippo Dx’s test has been recognized as a groundbreaking development, earning the title of Most Disruptive Innovator in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 edition 2023.
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