The number of children with life-threatening allergies is skyrocketing

Severe allergies are terrifying, especially when they affect children. Now, a large-scale new report has found that severe allergies seem to be increasing among kids in the U.S. The report, which is from insurance company Blue Cross Blue Shield, analyzed allergy diagnoses and visits to the ER for anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause swelling and make it hard to breathe. The report surveyed BCBS subscribers from 2010 to 2016 and included 9.6 million children aged 18 and below from all across the country.