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Allergies in Kazakhstan are rapidly becoming more common among younger age groups: over the past 5 years, the number of cases among infants has increased 14,5-fold

Kazakhstan has seen a sharp rise in allergic diseases, with the most alarming trend observed among children under one year of age. According to an analysis of laboratory tests conducted by the CDL OLYMP between 2020 and 2025, the number of positive allergen tests in this age group increased 14,5-fold - from 2 to 29 cases.

"We are observing not just an increase in the number of patients seeking treatment, but a real rise in the frequency of detected sensitization. It is particularly important to note that the number of cases among children and adolescents is rising, and the proportion of severe reactions is also increasing," said Erlan Suleimenov, Director of CDL OLIMP.

In whole, the situation is worsening in the country. The number of positive allergen tests has more than doubled - from 7,125 to 14,889. The total number of tests has almost tripled - to 33 thousand. This means that the number of patients with laboratory-confirmed allergies has more than doubled over five years.

An increase has been recorded in virtually all age groups, though the most significant rise is among adolescents (2,8-fold) and young adults. However, the largest group remains that of children aged 7-14 - 5,414 cases in 2025, accounting for 36,4% of all confirmed allergies.

The men are still leaders.

Cases by gender remain stable: men account for 58% of all positive tests, women 42%. Provided that absolute increase is higher in men.

The main allergens: weeds are coming to the fore

The analysis showed that weeds account for the majority of allergens in the country, representing 61% of all positive test results. Grass species account for 22%, and trees for 18%.

Among specific allergens, the most significant increases were seen in:

birch – a 3,7-fold increase (up to 1,792 cases);
timothy grass – a 3-fold increase
ragweed – a 2,5-fold increase.

Wormwood remains the absolute leader - with almost 15,000 positive tests in 2025.

Moreover, new significant allergens have appeared in the statistics that were not previously recorded: ragweed (362 cases), sunflower (199), alder, lime and elderberry.

Regional differences: from stability to "explosive" growth

In the Kyzylorda region, the number of positive tests increased 43-fold. A significant increase was also recorded in Petropavlovsk and Taraz.

However, in terms of absolute numbers of cases, the leading cities are Astana, Pavlodar and Kostanay. In some regions (Karaganda, Aktau), a decline in figures has been recorded, which requires further analysis.

"Today we are facing new epidemiological reality to which the healthcare system must adapt operatively. First of all, we need to strengthen the early diagnosis of allergies, particularly in children under one year of age. It is equally important to review regional programs taking local circumstances into account, and to expand testing panels to include new allergens that were not previously considered. Particular attention must be paid to analyzing the climatic and environmental factors influencing the rise in sensitization. We are seeing that the number of allergies cases continues to rise whilst the range of allergens is expanding," emphasized Erlan Suleimenov.