1 in 13
Americans
NHLBI describes asthma as affecting about 1 in 13 people in the United States.
Asthma Education
Asthma 101
Asthma is a long-term condition affecting the airways. Airways can become inflamed and narrowed, making breathing harder. Asthma can be managed with the right treatment, preparation, and support.
8.6%
U.S. Adults
CDC reports 8.6% of adults currently had asthma in 2024.
6.5%
U.S. Children
CDC reports 6.5% of children under 18 currently had asthma in 2024.
Common Symptoms
Wheezing
A whistling sound, often when breathing out.
Coughing
Frequently worse at night or early in the morning.
Shortness of Breath
Feeling unable to get enough air or complete normal activities.
Chest Tightness
A squeezing, pressure, or heavy feeling in the chest.
Symptoms can come and go. They may worsen with viral infections, exercise, allergies, cold air, smoke, pollution, or other personal triggers.
Managing Asthma
Get properly evaluated
A healthcare professional may use your history, examination, and breathing tests to diagnose asthma and assess control.
Know your medicines
Controller medicines help prevent symptoms; reliever medicines are used to prevent or ease symptoms during an attack. Follow the exact plan prescribed for you.
Use an asthma action plan
A written plan explains daily treatment, worsening symptoms, emergency steps, medicines, and contacts.
Review control regularly
Night waking, frequent reliever use, missed activities, or repeated attacks can be signs that asthma is not well controlled.
Sources: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), updated April 17, 2024; CDC FastStats, 2024 prevalence data. Reviewed for this page July 2026.