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United States Value:
Percentage of women ages 18-44 who reported being told by a health professional that they currently have asthma
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Percentage of women ages 18-44 who reported being told by a health professional that they currently have asthma
Percentage of women ages 18-44 who reported being told by a health professional that they currently have asthma
Percentage of women ages 18-44 who reported being told by a health professional that they currently have asthma
CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Percentage of women ages 18-44 who reported being told by a health professional that they currently have asthma
CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
US Value: 11.7%
Top State(s): Texas: 9.2%
Bottom State(s): Vermont: 18.2%
Definition: Percentage of women ages 18-44 who reported being told by a health professional that they currently have asthma
Data Source and Years: CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2019-2020
Suggested Citation: America's Health Rankings analysis of CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2023.
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the lungs and can cause wheezing, difficulty breathing and coughing. In 2019, an estimated 25 million adults in the United States had asthma. It causes just over 3,500 deaths each year. Risk factors for asthma include exposure to common triggers, such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, dust and mold, as well as having allergies, frequent respiratory infections or a family history of asthma.
The prevalence of asthma is higher among women than men. Changing levels of hormones during the menstrual cycle may worsen asthmatic symptoms. Pregnant women with asthma have a higher risk for various pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placental abruption, premature birth and low birthweight.
The prevalence of asthma is higher among:
While there is no cure for asthma, asthma can be controlled by following your doctor’s advice and avoiding asthma triggers. Having a professional perform a healthy home environment assessment can reduce exposure to allergens, improve air quality and improve asthma management. Sometimes an asthma specialist or allergist can help people with asthma better manage symptoms and prevent attacks. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) has a tool to help find an allergist near you.
Healthy People 2030 has multiple objectives related to asthma, including reducing asthma-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations and deaths among children, older adults and the overall population.
Mendola, Pauline, S. Katherine Laughon, Tuija I. Männistö, Kira Leishear, Uma M. Reddy, Zhen Chen, and Jun Zhang. “Obstetric Complications among US Women with Asthma.” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 208, no. 2 (February 2013): 127.e1-127.e8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2012.11.007.
America’s Health Rankings builds on the work of the United Health Foundation to draw attention to public health and better understand the health of various populations. Our platform provides relevant information that policymakers, public health officials, advocates and leaders can use to effect change in their communities.
We have developed detailed analyses on the health of key populations in the country, including women and children, seniors and those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, in addition to a deep dive into health disparities across the country.