Asthma in the United States
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of individuals across the United States, posing a significant burden on public health systems, families, and communities. Characterized by airway inflammation and bronchial constriction, asthma leads to recurring symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. In the U.S., asthma impacts both children and adults, regardless of age, gender, race, or geographic location, although certain populations are disproportionately affected. The disease can range from mild and manageable to severe and life-threatening, with poorly controlled asthma leading to frequent hospital visits, lost productivity, and avoidable deaths.
Despite advances in treatment and public awareness, asthma prevalence remains high, with more than 26 million Americans currently living with the condition. Environmental factors, socioeconomic disparities, and uneven access to quality healthcare contribute to the persistence and severity of asthma across many U.S. communities. Children, women, and racial and ethnic minorities are particularly vulnerable. As asthma continues to drive billions in healthcare spending annually, understanding its patterns, disparities, and consequences is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving outcomes for millions of Americans.
Asthma Prevalence and Demographic Impact in the United States (2025)
National Asthma Prevalence – U.S. Population
| Population Group | Number Affected | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Americans | 26.8 million | 8.2% |
| Adults (18+) | 22.3 million | 8.7% |
| Children (<18) | 4.5 million | 6.2% |
In 2025, asthma affects an estimated 26.8 million people across the United States, which accounts for 8.2% of the entire population. Adults make up the overwhelming majority of asthma cases, with 22.3 million affected, representing 8.7% of the adult population. Children under 18 account for 4.5 million cases, or 6.2% of that age group. These numbers highlight asthma as a chronic condition that impacts both youth and adults, but is slightly more prevalent among adults.
This adult-majority prevalence suggests long-term persistence of the disease or new-onset adult asthma due to environmental exposure, occupational hazards, or other risk factors. The fact that millions of children are also affected underscores the importance of early intervention, access to medication, and monitoring in schools and homes. Together, these figures demonstrate a persistent, widespread health burden requiring targeted education, care accessibility, and asthma action plans for individuals across all age brackets.
Asthma Attack Prevalence by Group – U.S. (2025)
| Group | Attack Rate (%) | Number with Attacks |
|---|---|---|
| All with asthma | 42.4% | 11.4 million |
| Children with asthma | 52.7% | ~2.4 million |
| Adults with asthma | 40.4% | ~9.0 million |
Asthma attacks remain alarmingly common in 2025, with 42.4% of all individuals with asthma reporting at least one episode in the past year—amounting to 11.4 million Americans. Children continue to face a disproportionately higher burden, with 52.7% of young asthma patients experiencing attacks, equivalent to about 2.4 million children. This rate is significantly higher than among adults and highlights the need for pediatric-specific prevention and treatment strategies, including education for parents and schools.
Among adults with asthma, 40.4%—roughly 9.0 million people—report asthma attacks, showing that even with mature self-management skills, the disease remains difficult to control. These attacks are not just dangerous but also contribute to increased emergency visits, school and work absenteeism, and reduced quality of life. The consistent frequency across age groups signals a need for improved long-term management strategies, medication adherence, environmental control, and equitable healthcare access.
Age-Related Asthma Prevalence – U.S. (2025)
| Age Group | Prevalence Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Ages 0–4 | 2.7% |
| Ages 5–11 | 7.0% |
| Ages 12–17 | 7.9% |
| Ages 15–17 | 8.9% |
| Ages 20–24 | 12.0% |
| Ages 22–39 | 9.0% |
| Ages 35–64 | 8.5% |
| Ages 65+ | 8.0% |
Age plays a defining role in asthma risk and prevalence in the U.S. in 2025. Among young children aged 0–4, asthma prevalence is the lowest at 2.7%, but this quickly rises to 7.0% in ages 5–11, and further to 7.9% among adolescents aged 12–17. The highest recorded rate among children is in older teens (ages 15–17), where prevalence peaks at 8.9%. These increases reflect greater exposure to environmental triggers, hormonal changes, and perhaps underdiagnosis in early years that becomes corrected with age.
Among adults, asthma prevalence reaches its peak in young adults aged 20–24, at a substantial 12.0%, suggesting either persistence from childhood or new adult-onset asthma, possibly triggered by smoking, pollution, or workplace conditions. The rates slightly decline to 9.0% in ages 22–39, 8.5% in ages 35–64, and 8.0% in those 65 and older, but remain consistently high. These numbers confirm that asthma is not merely a childhood illness—it spans the life course and requires continued public health focus at every age, especially among working-age adults and the elderly.
Gender Disparities in Asthma Prevalence in the United States (2025)
Overall Asthma Prevalence by Gender – U.S. Population
| Gender | Prevalence Rate (%) | Number Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Females | 9.7% | 16.1 million |
| Males | 6.6% | 10.7 million |
In the overall U.S. population, females are more affected by asthma than males. As of 2025, the asthma prevalence rate among females is 9.7%, accounting for 16.1 million women, compared to a 6.6% prevalence in males, or 10.7 million men. This represents a clear gender disparity, with women being approximately 1.5 times more likely than men to suffer from asthma. These figures are consistent with longstanding trends observed in adult populations, often attributed to biological, hormonal, and immune response differences between sexes.
This disparity also raises questions about environmental and occupational exposures, healthcare access, and reporting patterns. Women may also be more likely to seek medical evaluation and receive a formal diagnosis. However, the data reveal more than behavior—they highlight the need for sex-specific research into asthma triggers, treatment responses, and long-term outcomes, especially for women in midlife and beyond, where prevalence is most prominent.
Asthma Prevalence in Children (Under 18) by Gender – U.S. (2025)
| Gender | Prevalence Rate (%) | Number Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Males | 7.0% | 2.6 million |
| Females | 5.4% | 1.9 million |
Among U.S. children under the age of 18, the gender disparity in asthma trends reverses compared to adults. In 2025, male children have a higher asthma prevalence (7.0%), affecting approximately 2.6 million boys, while female children have a lower rate of 5.4%, or about 1.9 million girls. This indicates that during childhood, boys are more likely to be diagnosed with asthma, which may be due to anatomical differences in airway size or immune system development.
Despite the higher childhood rate in boys, many males seem to “outgrow” asthma or manage it more effectively with age, while prevalence increases in females after puberty. These trends suggest a biological and hormonal transition that shifts the asthma burden from males in youth to females in adulthood. The data reinforces the importance of pediatric asthma screening, particularly among boys, and ensuring continuity of care as they transition into adulthood.
Asthma Prevalence in Adults (18+) by Gender – U.S. (2025)
| Gender | Prevalence Rate (%) | Number Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Females | 10.8% | 14.2 million |
| Males | 6.5% | 8.1 million |
Asthma prevalence increases significantly in adult females, where 10.8% of women aged 18 and older—equating to 14.2 million adults—report living with asthma. In contrast, adult males have a 6.5% prevalence, or 8.1 million affected individuals. This sharp increase in adult female prevalence underscores the gendered nature of asthma as a chronic condition, particularly after adolescence.
The shift may be linked to hormonal factors, such as estrogen and progesterone fluctuations, which can influence airway inflammation and sensitivity. In addition, women may face unique asthma triggers such as occupational exposures, household chemicals, and stress-related inflammation. These findings emphasize the importance of customized asthma education, medication dosing, and preventive strategies for women, especially those in mid-life when symptoms may worsen or become more persistent.
Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Disparities in Asthma in the United States (2025)
Asthma Prevalence by Race and Ethnicity – U.S. (2025)
| Race/Ethnicity | Prevalence Rate (%) | Number Affected |
|---|---|---|
| American Indian/Alaska Native | 12.5% | 591,148 |
| Non-Hispanic Black | 10.6% | 4.1 million |
| Multiple Race (Non-Hispanic) | 9.6% | 606,556 |
| Non-Hispanic White | 7.8% | 15.3 million |
| Hispanic (Other) | 7.7% | 1.8 million |
| Hispanic (Overall) | 6.4% | 3.9 million |
| Mexican Heritage | 5.5% | 2.0 million |
| Non-Hispanic Asian | 4.5% | 824,603 |
Asthma disproportionately affects certain racial and ethnic groups in the United States. In 2025, American Indian and Alaska Native populations have the highest prevalence at 12.5%, impacting over 591,000 individuals. Non-Hispanic Black Americans follow with a 10.6% rate, affecting 4.1 million people. The Multiple Race (Non-Hispanic) group also shows elevated asthma rates at 9.6%, involving around 606,556 individuals. These elevated figures highlight structural disparities in access to healthcare, exposure to environmental pollutants, and social determinants of health like housing quality and healthcare access.
Meanwhile, Non-Hispanic White individuals, while still significantly affected, show a slightly lower prevalence of 7.8%, which translates to 15.3 million cases, reflecting their large population share. Among Hispanic groups, overall asthma prevalence is 6.4% (3.9 million), with Mexican heritage individuals showing the lowest prevalence at 5.5% (2.0 million). Non-Hispanic Asians report the lowest overall rate at 4.5%, or 824,603 people. These trends suggest that while some populations may be less affected, others face disproportionate burdens, demanding culturally tailored public health strategies and policies to address social and environmental asthma triggers.
Asthma Prevalence by Income Level – U.S. (2025)
| Income Level | Prevalence Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Below poverty threshold | 11.1% |
| 100–250% of poverty threshold | 8.7% |
| 250–450% of poverty threshold | 7.9% |
| 450%+ of poverty threshold | 7.1% |
Income is a strong determinant of asthma risk and outcomes in the U.S. In 2025, individuals living below the poverty line experience the highest asthma prevalence at 11.1%—a clear indicator of how economic hardship intensifies health disparities. Those with incomes between 100% and 250% of the poverty threshold also face elevated prevalence rates at 8.7%, followed by 7.9% in the 250–450% range, and the lowest prevalence (7.1%) is observed among the wealthiest group (450%+ of the poverty threshold).
This stepwise gradient strongly suggests that lower-income individuals are more exposed to asthma risk factors, such as indoor allergens (e.g., mold, dust mites), poor air quality, overcrowded housing, and limited access to preventive care. These populations are also more likely to delay treatment or lack consistent access to controller medications. Public health responses must address both medical management and the upstream social and environmental conditions that shape disease risk—especially in communities facing economic hardship.
Geographic Variations in Adult Asthma Prevalence by U.S. State (2025)
U.S. States with the Highest Adult Asthma Prevalence (2022)
| Rank | State | Prevalence Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rhode Island | 13.3% |
| 2 | Vermont | 12.9% |
| 3 | West Virginia | 12.9% |
| 4 | Maine | 13.1% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 13.1% |
| 6 | Connecticut | 12.4% |
| 7 | Oklahoma | 12.3% |
| 8 | Puerto Rico | 12.2% |
| 9 | Michigan | 11.9% |
| 10 | Tennessee | 11.7% |
As of 2022, adult asthma prevalence in the United States displays notable geographic clustering, particularly in the Northeast and parts of Appalachia. Rhode Island leads the nation with a 13.3% prevalence rate, followed closely by Maine and New Hampshire at 13.1% each, and Vermont and West Virginia, both at 12.9%. These top-ranking states share common features: colder climates, older housing stock (which may contribute to indoor allergen exposure), and higher smoking rates—factors linked to increased asthma risk.
Also notable are Connecticut (12.4%), Oklahoma (12.3%), Puerto Rico (12.2%), Michigan (11.9%), and Tennessee (11.7%), showing that high asthma burden is not exclusive to the Northeast. Oklahoma and Tennessee, located in the South, may reflect environmental factors like seasonal allergens and air pollution. Puerto Rico’s high rate may stem from socioeconomic vulnerabilities and limited healthcare infrastructure. These figures underscore the importance of state-level policies and asthma management programs that are tailored to regional needs and risks.
U.S. States with the Lowest Adult Asthma Prevalence (2022)
| Rank | State | Prevalence Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 7.9% |
| 2 | Nebraska | 8.1% |
| 3 | South Dakota | 8.3% |
| 4 | California | 8.7% |
| 5 | Illinois | 8.7% |
On the lower end of the spectrum, Texas records the lowest adult asthma prevalence in the U.S. at 7.9%, followed by Nebraska (8.1%), South Dakota (8.3%), and California and Illinois (both 8.7%). These states represent a mix of geographic and demographic profiles, suggesting that regional air quality, access to healthcare, and climate conditions may play a protective role. For example, California’s environmental regulations and smoking restrictions may contribute to its relatively lower asthma burden, despite issues with wildfire smoke.
States like Texas and Nebraska may benefit from more temperate climates or lower levels of indoor allergens due to newer housing. However, these lower numbers should not lead to complacency; large absolute numbers of asthma cases may still exist due to population size, especially in places like California and Texas. Targeted prevention efforts and ongoing environmental monitoring remain essential to sustain and reduce these rates further.
Regional Asthma Prevalence Patterns – U.S. (2022)
| Region | Pattern Description |
|---|---|
| New England | Consistently higher prevalence rates |
| Southern States | Generally lower rates |
| Western States | Generally lower rates |
| Mountain West | Mixed patterns |
Regional patterns paint a clear picture of geographic asthma disparities in the U.S. In New England, states such as Rhode Island, Vermont, and New Hampshire consistently report some of the highest prevalence rates in the nation, exceeding 13% in some cases. This may be influenced by colder climates leading to more indoor exposure, combined with older infrastructure that may harbor dust mites and mold. Furthermore, smoking rates and socioeconomic factors may compound asthma risk in these densely populated Northeastern states.
In contrast, the Southern and Western states generally show lower adult asthma prevalence, likely due to a combination of climatic advantages, less time spent indoors, and newer housing stock. However, the Mountain West region shows mixed results, reflecting the diverse environmental and socioeconomic characteristics found in states such as Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. These patterns call for region-specific asthma interventions, taking into account both natural and man-made environmental conditions.
Healthcare Utilization and Emergency Care for Asthma in the United States (2025)
Emergency Department Visits for Asthma – U.S. (2020)
| Age Group | Rate per 10,000 | Total Visits |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 29.8 | 986,453 |
| Children (0–17) | 36.4 | 270,330 |
| Adults (18+) | 27.8 | 716,117 |
Emergency department (ED) visits for asthma are a major indicator of disease severity and poor control. In 2020, there were 986,453 total ED visits related to asthma across all age groups in the U.S., with an overall visit rate of 29.8 per 10,000 people. Notably, children under 18 had the highest ED visit rate at 36.4 per 10,000, totaling 270,330 visits—significantly higher than the 27.8 per 10,000 rate among adults, who accounted for 716,117 visits.
This age-based disparity highlights that pediatric asthma often leads to more acute exacerbations, potentially due to developing lungs, school-based triggers, and difficulty in symptom management. These figures suggest a need for early intervention and parental education to reduce pediatric emergencies. For adults, while the visit rate is lower, the total number is substantial, pointing to gaps in chronic asthma management and access to preventive care.
Hospital Admissions for Asthma – U.S. (2020)
| Age Group | Rate per 10,000 | Total Admissions |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 2.9 | 94,560 |
| Children (0–17) | 3.6 | 27,055 |
| Adults (18+) | 2.6 | 67,505 |
Hospital admissions for asthma serve as a benchmark for identifying uncontrolled or severe cases. In 2020, the U.S. reported 94,560 total asthma-related hospital admissions, with an overall admission rate of 2.9 per 10,000 people. Children once again showed higher vulnerability, with a hospitalization rate of 3.6 per 10,000 and 27,055 total admissions, compared to 2.6 per 10,000 for adults and 67,505 adult admissions.
These trends emphasize that asthma remains a leading cause of pediatric hospitalization, especially in underserved areas or during respiratory illness seasons. For adults, hospitalizations may often be associated with comorbid conditions such as COPD or cardiovascular issues. The data reinforces the need for community-based asthma control programs, improved medication adherence, and proactive care—especially in populations known for higher ED and hospitalization rates.
Asthma Mortality by Age – U.S. (2021)
| Category | Deaths | Rate per Million |
|---|---|---|
| Total Deaths | 3,517 | 10.6 |
| Children (<18) | 145 | 2.0 |
| Adults (18+) | 3,372 | 13.1 |
| Adults (65+) | 1,513 | 27.1 |
In 2021, there were 3,517 deaths in the U.S. where asthma was the primary cause, translating to a mortality rate of 10.6 per million. Adults over 18 bore the brunt of asthma fatalities with 3,372 deaths and a rate of 13.1 per million, while seniors (65+) showed an even higher rate of 27.1 per million, accounting for 1,513 deaths. Meanwhile, 145 children under 18 died from asthma, with a rate of 2.0 per million.
These numbers reveal that asthma can be fatal—especially among the elderly, where chronic disease burden and reduced physiological resilience contribute to poor outcomes. Although fewer children die from asthma, each pediatric death is highly preventable, underscoring the importance of timely diagnosis, environmental control, and medication adherence. The rise in adult mortality further calls for better asthma action plans, particularly for older adults and high-risk populations.
Asthma Mortality by Gender – U.S. (2021)
| Gender | Deaths | Rate per Million |
|---|---|---|
| Females | 2,087 | 12.5 |
| Males | 1,430 | 8.7 |
In 2021, asthma mortality was notably higher among females, who experienced 2,087 deaths with a rate of 12.5 per million, compared to 1,430 deaths in males, with a lower rate of 8.7 per million. This gender gap aligns with asthma prevalence trends in adults, where women are more likely to have the condition and suffer from more severe outcomes.
Hormonal influences, immune system differences, and potential disparities in treatment may contribute to higher female mortality. Additionally, women often face greater caregiving burdens, which may reduce their focus on self-care and delay seeking treatment. These data demand targeted interventions for women, including gender-sensitive asthma education, research, and treatment programs.
Asthma Mortality by Race/Ethnicity – U.S. (2021)
| Race/Ethnicity | Rate per Million |
|---|---|
| Non-Hispanic Black | 24.4 |
| Non-Hispanic White | 9.8 |
| Non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander | 6.8 |
| Hispanic | 5.8 |
Asthma mortality varies dramatically by race and ethnicity. Non-Hispanic Black Americans experience the highest asthma death rate at 24.4 per million, more than double that of Non-Hispanic Whites (9.8) and more than four times the rate of Hispanics (5.8). Non-Hispanic Asian and Pacific Islanders show the lowest mortality at 6.8 per million.
These disparities reflect underlying inequities in healthcare access, housing conditions, environmental exposures, and systemic racism. Non-Hispanic Black individuals may face more exposure to urban pollutants, substandard housing, and healthcare bias, all of which contribute to preventable deaths. Reducing these disparities requires aggressive community outreach, culturally competent care, and investments in social determinants of health.
State-Level Asthma Mortality Variations – United States (2021)
Highest Asthma Mortality Rates
| State | Rate per Million |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | 16.7 |
| Oregon | 15.8 |
| Mississippi | 15.3 |
Lowest Asthma Mortality Rates
| State | Rate per Million |
|---|---|
| Kentucky | 4.9 |
| Utah | 7.2 |
| Nevada | 8.9 |
Asthma mortality rates across U.S. states in 2021 revealed stark geographic differences. Hawaii had the highest mortality rate at 16.7 deaths per million, likely influenced by natural environmental factors such as volcanic emissions. Oregon (15.8) and Mississippi (15.3) followed, highlighting the intersection of healthcare disparities and environmental exposure.
In contrast, Kentucky (4.9), Utah (7.2), and Nevada (8.9) posted the lowest mortality rates. These disparities suggest the need for localized strategies that factor in healthcare access, air quality, and community health infrastructure to reduce preventable deaths.
National Economic Burden of Asthma in the United States
| Cost Category | Amount or Description |
|---|---|
| Total Annual Economic Burden | $56–82 billion |
| Direct Medical Expenses | Included in total |
| Indirect Costs (Lost Productivity) | Included in total |
| Mortality-Related Costs | Included in total |
Cost Components
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Direct Medical | Hospital care, physician services, medications, emergency visits |
| Indirect Costs | Lost work/school days, reduced productivity, premature mortality |
| Long-term Costs | Disability, reduced quality of life, family caregiver burden |
The United States spends an estimated $56 to $82 billion annually on asthma-related economic burdens. This includes both direct healthcare costs like medications and hospital stays, and indirect losses such as missed workdays, lower productivity, and mortality-related income losses.
When broken down, 72% of the total burden often comes from lost productivity, underscoring the systemic impact asthma has on both economic performance and household stability. Long-term costs add further weight, affecting families through chronic caregiving, disability support, and reduced quality of life.
Asthma Attack Rates by Race/Ethnicity in the U.S. (2020–2022)
Children (Aged 0–17)
| Race/Ethnicity | Attack Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Asian (Non-Hispanic) | 51.9 |
| American Indian/Alaska Native | 50.0 |
| Non-Hispanic White | 47.9 |
| Other Hispanic | 44.3 |
| Mexican Heritage | 43.9 |
| Non-Hispanic Black | 36.9 |
Adults (18+)
| Race/Ethnicity | Attack Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| American Indian/Alaska Native | 48.3 |
| Other Hispanic | 43.9 |
| Non-Hispanic White | 41.6 |
| Mexican Heritage | 38.5 |
| Non-Hispanic Asian | 36.8 |
| Non-Hispanic Black | 35.7 |
Among children, Asian (51.9%) and American Indian/Alaska Native (50.0%) groups experienced the highest asthma attack rates. These figures reveal potential environmental and access-to-care disparities affecting youth, particularly in tribal and immigrant communities.
In adults, similar trends appear. American Indian/Alaska Native adults (48.3%) face the highest rates, followed by Other Hispanic (43.9%) and Non-Hispanic White (41.6%) individuals. These patterns emphasize the ongoing need for equitable asthma care, prevention programs, and cultural outreach to manage chronic symptoms.
Key Public Health Priorities and Emerging Concerns for Asthma (U.S. 2025)
Public Health Priorities
| Priority Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Health Disparities | Target major racial, ethnic, and income-related inequalities |
| Geographic Variations | Create localized intervention strategies |
| Economic Impact | Develop low-cost, high-return public health models |
| Emergency Burden | Shift toward outpatient prevention and better medication use |
Emerging Concerns
| Concern | Details |
|---|---|
| Female Predominance | Higher prevalence and death rates in women |
| Poverty Disparities | Asthma more common in lower-income households |
| Regional Clustering | Concentrated asthma patterns across U.S. regions |
| Healthcare Access | Unequal access to asthma treatment and specialists |
Addressing asthma in the U.S. requires an inclusive public health strategy that considers systemic disparities. Women now experience higher asthma mortality despite overall healthcare progress, signaling a shift that warrants tailored interventions and gender-based screening.
In addition, poverty-related disparities and regional clustering call for geographically informed asthma control plans. Improving healthcare access and outcomes among under-resourced areas and vulnerable populations is essential to reducing the long-term burden of the disease.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
