Epidemiology: How Common Is Asthma?
Asthma in numbers: how common it is, and who it affects most.
You are not alone. Asthma is the most common long-term health condition in young people, both in the U.S. and around the world. Here is a quick look at the numbers.
Asthma By The Numbers
A snapshot of how common asthma is.
~1 in 10
of children and teens worldwide are living with asthma (prevalence, Global Asthma Network)
~4.9 million
children under 18 in the U.S. are living with asthma (prevalence, AAFA)
~363 million
people of all ages worldwide are living with asthma (prevalence, WHO, 2023)
Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in young people.
When Does It Usually Start?
Asthma can begin at almost any age.
Often Starts In Childhood
- Most people first notice asthma when they are young.
- It can also begin later, in the teen years or in adulthood.
Different Types, Different Ages
- Allergic asthma is more common in children.
- Non-allergic asthma becomes more common with age and is the main type in adults.
Who Is Most Affected?
Asthma can look different by gender and background.
Gender
- In childhood, more boys than girls have asthma.
- In adulthood, more women have asthma than men.
- Around puberty, girls often start to have worse symptoms.
- Researchers think hormone changes may play a role.
Race & Ethnicity (U.S.)
- Most common among Non-Hispanic Black children.
- Then Hispanic children, then White children.
- Less common among Asian children.
Other Things That Play A Role (U.S.)
A few more patterns seen across the U.S.
Where People Live
- Most common in the Northeast U.S.
- Least common in the West.
- City and rural areas are about the same.
Family Income
Asthma is more common in families with lower incomes. This may be linked to differences in:
- Access to health care
- Housing conditions
- Contact with triggers in the environment
Why The Numbers Matter
Perspective, not pressure.
Knowing how common asthma is does not change your story, but it can make it feel less lonely. Millions of young people are managing asthma right alongside you.
Worried about a symptom? Talk to your medical team. TeenHealthInsight is health education, not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never change your medication without speaking to your asthma team first.