> Any clue why the USA, being one of the richest nations on earth,
> supposedly having one of the highest living standards, has one the
> highest indices of allergies?

Perhaps we just diagnose a lower level of suffering as "allergies",
and prescribe treatment...

I have what I would describe as mild hayfever-like allergies.
I sniffle a bit more than I'd like, and when certain plants
bloom I can have watery eyes and occasional sneezing fits.  My
old doctor had prescribed some drugs that seemed to work pretty
well, but then she moved to Hawaii and the prescription eventually
expired.  The replacement Dr said "any other complaints?"  I said
"hayfever" and was issued a new prescription for allegra, at a cost
of about $100/month (before insurance), without additional diagnosis.
I decided that my allergies weren't worth that much to fix...

BillW
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