In 2022, around 8.2 percent of the U.S. population currently had asthma. Over the past couple decades, the share of the U.S. population with current asthma has fluctuated. The years 2010 and 2011 saw the highest prevalence rates, with 8.5 percent in both years.
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. Fortunately, in recent years, the out-of-pocket costs of albuterol have decreased.
Asthma among the states
The prevalence of asthma in U.S. states varies, with Rhode Island, Maine, and New Hampshire 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 had 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.