
Prevalence of current asthma in the United States 2001-2021
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.