Prevalence of current asthma in the United States 2001-2021

The years 2010 and 2011 saw the highest prevalence of asthma diagnoses in the U.S. in recent years. Asthma prevalence trends indicate a growth in the number of new diagnoses. Asthma medical care costs have also shown to be increasing in recent years. Without proper treatment, patients face higher medical costs and indirect costs of missed workdays and illness time.

Asthma

Asthma is a complicated chronic illness that affects a person’s ability to breathe. Symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. Asthma is treatable through avoidance of triggers and through inhaled corticosteroids (an inhaler). Prescriptions of Albuterol, a commonly prescribed inhaler, have increased significantly in the United States. Though, despite being used as a common treatment method for asthma, the out-of-pocket costs of albuterol have risen.

Asthma among the states

The prevalence of asthma in U.S. states varies, with New Hampshire and Rhode Island reporting the highest current rates of asthma. However, despite having the highest prevalence rates, these states do not have the highest death rates due to asthma. As of 2021, Mississippi and Hawaii have the highest death rates from asthma in the United States. Among all U.S. residents, the prevalence of active asthma attacks within the past 12 months has decreased over the last few years.