As of 2025, an estimated 434 million people could be suffering from asthma worldwide. Approximately 7.2 million of these are believed to live in the UK, impacting around eight in every 100 people. Common asthma symptoms range from coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath to asthma attacks and sometimes death.
With this in mind, Chemist4U has compiled the latest asthma statistics for 2025, outlining asthma epidemiology and its prevalence in the UK, the number of asthma deaths per year, and the impact this has on people’s average life expectancy.
Our asthma report examines recent developments in asthma research to illustrate how these trends have evolved in the UK and what the future may hold for asthma management.
Top 10 must-know facts about asthma 2025
The number of people with asthma worldwide is expected to reach 434 million in 2025. (Source: News Medical.net)
The prevalence of asthma in the UK is roughly eight in every 100 people, equating to approximately 7.2 million people. (Source: Asthma + Lung UK)
On average, women are around four times more likely to be diagnosed with asthma than men (79% vs. 21%, respectively). (Source: Chemist4U via Asthma + Lung UK)
The most common asthma symptoms are coughing, wheezing, a tight chest, or shortness of breath and are experienced by more than four-fifths (84%) of people with asthma. (Source: Chemist4U via Asthma + Lung UK)
Just under a third (32%) of the UK’s asthma population received a basic level of care in 2025. (Source: Asthma + Lung UK)
Asthma accounts for 2-3% of primary care consultations in the UK, resulting in around 60,000 hospital admissions and 200,000 bed days per year. (Source: NHS England)
More than a third (35%) of people in England have given up work due to asthma. (Source: Asthma + Lung UK)
Around one million children in the UK are receiving treatment for asthma, yet less than 25% of these have a personalised asthma action plan. (Source: NHS England)
It’s estimated that there is an average of four asthma deaths in the UK each day, with two-thirds of these deemed preventable. (Source: Asthma + Lung UK)
Asthma epidemiology
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes the airways in your lungs to become inflamed and swollen. This makes them narrower, allowing less air to enter and exit the lungs, leading to common symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, coughing, and a tight chest.
It’s estimated that there are around 334 million people worldwide suffering from asthma, a figure that is expected to rise by 100 million by 2025.
In 2021, the prevalence of asthma stood at 3,340 cases per 100,000 people (down from 5,568 per 100,000 in 1990). This represents a drop of two-fifths (40%) in just over two decades.
In total, asthma is estimated to affect between 1% and 29% of the population worldwide, depending on the country.
The overall prevalence of asthma is estimated to be 9.1% for children, 11% for adolescents, and 6.6% for adults.
As of 2019, there were an estimated 262.4 million prevalent cases of asthma around the world. This resulted in an average asthma prevalence of 3,415.5 per 100,000 people, a 24% decrease from 1990.
Compared to the figures from News Medical.net, this would suggest the global number of people with asthma rose by almost two-thirds (65.4%) between 2019 and 2025.
UK asthma statistics
How many people in the UK have asthma?
In the UK, around 7.2 million people have asthma, affecting roughly eight in every 100 people.
Approximately 160,000 people in the UK are diagnosed each year with asthma, with occupational (workplace) asthma accounting for between 9% and 15% of adult-onset asthma cases.
As a result, there are around 5.4 million people in the UK who currently rely on treatment to manage their asthma symptoms. In all, this impacts roughly one in 12 adults and one in 11 children and places the UK as one of the countries with the highest rates of asthma prevalence in Europe.
UK asthma population statistics
Allergic asthma is a type of asthma triggered by allergens, including pollen, pet dander, and dust. Sometimes called atopic asthma, it’s estimated to account for around four-fifths of the UK asthma population.
The remaining one in five people with asthma are defined as having non-allergic asthma (also known as non-atopic asthma).
This usually develops later in life and is triggered by things such as:
Air pollution
Damp and mould
Colds, flu, and chest infections
Stress
Recreational drugs and cigarette smoke
Around nine in 10 people with asthma experience a tightening of their airways while exercising. This is known as bronchoconstriction and also occurs in people who don’t have asthma.
Difficult asthma is used to describe asthma that requires high-dose treatment to control someone’s symptoms and affects around one in five adults with asthma. This is contrasted by severe asthma, where the symptoms are harder to control even with the appropriate medication. Severe asthma impacts around one in 25 adults with asthma and is usually diagnosed and treated in a specialist asthma facility.
Percentage of people with asthma in England and Wales by gender
Gender
England
Wales
Male
20%
21%
Female
79%
79%
(Source: Chemist4U via Asthma + Lung UK)
Note: Total figures may not equal 100% due to rounding
According to our analysis of recent asthma statistics, almost four-fifths (79%) of the people in England and Wales with asthma are female. This means that asthma prevalence is approximately four times higher in the female population compared to males.
Percentage of people with asthma in England and Wales by age group
A third of people with asthma are aged between 60 and 69 years old, making it the most common age group in England and Wales for the condition.
This is followed by roughly a quarter (24% to 25%) aged 50-59 and just over a fifth (21% to 22%) aged 70-79.
In all, almost four-fifths (79%) of the population in England and Wales with asthma are between the ages of 50 and 79.
Percentage of people with asthma in England and Wales by level of health
Just over two-fifths of people with asthma in England and Wales report having fair health (43% vs. 42%, respectively), with just over three in 10 stating that their health is good.
Conversely, just over one in six (17% for England and 18% for Wales) believe their health was in a bad condition due to asthma.
Percentage of people with asthma in England and Wales by level of pain
Level of pain
England
Wales
None
53%
50%
Mild
26%
25%
Moderate
17%
19%
Severe
3%
4%
Very severe
1%
1%
Worst possible
0%
0%
(Source: Chemist4U via Asthma + Lung UK)
Note: Total figures may not equal 100% due to rounding
Approximately half of people with asthma in England and Wales (53% and 50%, respectively) claim that their asthma causes them no pain.
In contrast, roughly a quarter (between 26% in England and 25% in Wales) report mild pain due to asthma, with less than a fifth for moderate pain (17% vs. 19%, respectively).
Key asthma facts for Wales
No. of people with asthma (2009/10)
211,000
No. of people with asthma (2023/24)
237,400
Percentage increase
13%
Projected no. of people with asthma (2033/34)
More than 256,000
Prevalence of asthma (2019/20)
7.4%
Prevalence of asthma (2023/24)
7.2%
(Source: NHS Wales)
In 2023/24, asthma was most prevalent among females aged 65 to 69 (11.2%), compared with 8.1% among males.
The latest asthma stats from NHS Wales also show that the number of people with asthma increased from 211,000 in 2009/10 to 237,400 in 2023/24 (a rise of 13% in 14 years).
By 2033/34, there could be more than 256,000 people in Wales with asthma. This would represent an increase of just over 8% in a decade.
Did you know?
As of 2023, an estimated 6.5 per 100 patients registered with a GP in Scotland had a diagnosis of asthma.
Incidence of asthma in Northern Ireland over time (2004 to 2025)
As of 2024/25, there were 135,771 people in Northern Ireland with asthma. This represents a rise of almost a third (32.7%) from 2004/05, when the figure stood at 102,334.
The number of people with asthma in Northern Ireland has increased gradually year-on-year since 2004/05, with a slight dip in 2021/22 to 122,163 (likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
The prevalence of asthma in Northern Ireland over time (2004 to 2025)
The asthma prevalence rate in Northern Ireland in 2024/25 stood at 65.75 per 100,000 people, an increase of 15.4% from 2004/05, when the respective figure was 56.98 per 100,000 of the population.
Most common asthma symptoms in the UK
According to our analysis of the latest asthma statistics, more than four in five people (84%) across England experience coughing, wheezing, a tight chest, or shortness of breath during the day due to their asthma. This makes it the most commonly reported asthma symptom nationwide.
The most common symptoms of asthma
Around three-quarters (76%) of people surveyed by Asthma + Lung UK claim to use their reliever more than twice a week, with two-thirds (66%) feeling that asthma affects their ability to do daily activities such as work and housework.
More than three-fifths (61%) of those questioned were also woken in the night due to their asthma.
Individuals with asthma often experience a persistent cough. However, if you feel that your cough is not due to asthma, then check out our guide on the best medicines for dry, tickly, and mucus coughs.
Most common triggers of asthma in the UK
Almost four in five (79%) people in England say that their asthma is mainly triggered by cold and flu, followed by around three in four (74%) who blame changes in the weather.
The most common triggers of asthma
Furthermore, seven in 10 (69%) of those questioned with asthma claim that their condition is triggered by cold weather, with almost three in five (59%) stating that exercise often causes their asthma to get worse.
“Make sure you're using your preventer inhaler every day, even when you feel fine. That's what keeps inflammation down and prevents your asthma symptoms from worsening.
“Get to know your triggers, whether it's cold air, exercise, pollen or stress, and have a plan for managing them. Keep your reliever inhaler with you at all times, but if you're reaching for it more than three times a week, that's a sign your asthma isn't well controlled, and you should speak to your GP or asthma nurse.
“Check your inhaler technique regularly, too. You'd be surprised how many people aren't getting the full dose simply because their technique has slipped. Finally, don't skip your asthma reviews. Regular check-ins mean any issues get caught early, and your treatment can be adjusted before things get worse.”
As of 2025, just under a third (32%) of the UK’s asthma population were receiving a basic level of care for their asthma (an annual review, inhaler check, and a personalised asthma action plan).
This figure rose to almost two-fifths (39%) in Northern Ireland but dropped to three in 10 (30%) in Wales and Scotland.
Basic asthma care levels in the UK over time (2014 to 2025)
Year
UK
England
Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland
2014
25%
22%
17%
33%
53%
2015
29%
28%
27%
36%
54%
2016
34%
32%
32%
41%
48%
2017
35%
34%
26%
43%
48%
2018
40%
40%
32%
40%
50%
2019
40%
40%
39%
36%
53%
2020
35%
35%
28%
31%
47%
2021
30%
30%
26%
25%
33%
2022
30%
31%
25%
25%
37%
2023
31%
32%
24%
25%
42%
2024
31%
32%
21%
24%
41%
2025
32%
33%
30%
30%
39%
(Source: Asthma + Lung UK)
The percentage of asthma patients receiving basic levels of asthma care in the UK has fluctuated over time, rising from a low of 25% in 2014 up to 40% in 2018 and 2019.
Since then, this figure has dropped and remained around 30% since 2021.
Other trends in UK asthma statistics over time show:
The percentage of people in England receiving basic asthma care followed a similar pattern to the rest of the UK, almost doubling between 2014 and 2018 (22% vs. 40%, respectively), before dropping to a third (33%) in 2025.
The proportion of asthma patients receiving basic care in Scotland more than doubled between 2014 and 2019 (17% vs. 39%, respectively), before dropping to 30% in 2025.
Between 2014 and 2019, the percentage of people in Scotland receiving basic asthma care fluctuated between 33% and 43%, before dropping to a low of 24% in 2024.
More than half of the people in Northern Ireland with asthma received a basic level of asthma care in 2014 (53%), 2015 (54%), and 2019 (53%). However, this figure fell to a third in 2021 (the lowest percentage on record for this nation).
The most common types of basic asthma care that asthma patients receive
Just under nine in 10 (87%) people in England with asthma surveyed by Asthma + Lung UK had received an annual review for their condition in 2024, compared to almost three-quarters (74%) in Wales.
Around three-fifths (61%) of those in England also admitted to having an inhaler use check as part of their basic asthma care. This was five percentage points higher than that in Wales (56%).
Finally, just over half (51%) of asthma patients in England reported having a personalised action plan for their asthma. This was contrasted by three in 10 (30%) respondents from Wales.
The number of basic asthma care elements that asthma patients receive
Our analysis of asthma statistics from Asthma and Lung UK indicates that fewer than one in 10 (9%) of those in England with the condition received none of the elements of basic asthma care in 2024. This figure would almost double for those living in Wales (17%).
By contrast, almost a third (32%) of asthma patients in England received all three elements, compared to just over a fifth (21%) in Wales.
In all, the majority of respondents (around two-fifths) in England and Wales were receiving two of the three basic elements of asthma care in 2024 (38% vs. 39%, respectively).
Average length of time for an asthma diagnosis
On average, less than half of the people with asthma in England and Wales waited a month or less to receive their asthma diagnosis (48% vs. 46%, respectively).
By contrast, around one in eight (12%) still did not have a diagnosis after two years.
The most common barriers to getting an asthma diagnosis
Barrier
Percentage of respondents (%)
My symptoms were dismissed as a cough/chest infection/something else
23%
My GP thought I had a chest infection or cough at first
17%
Not knowing what the signs of your lung condition were
16%
Difficulty in getting appointments
11%
I was misdiagnosed at first, and it took a while to get correctly diagnosed with my lung condition
11%
Diagnostic tests not being available
9%
I had to wait a long time for a specialist appointment
6%
I had trouble getting referred to a specialist
5%
I thought my symptoms were normal with age
3%
Too scared to go to the doctor in case I had a lung condition
2%
Concern that I might have lung cancer
1%
I do not recall there being any barriers
37%
(Source: Chemist4U via Asthma + Lung UK)
When it came to getting an asthma diagnosis, almost a quarter (23%) of people with the condition claimed that their symptoms were dismissed as a cough/chest infection/something else.
This was followed by around one in six who said that their GP thought they initially had a cough or chest infection (17%) or that they themselves did not recognise the signs of asthma (16%).
Incidentally, around one in 10 people with asthma found it hard to get an appointment or were misdiagnosed at first, which subsequently took them longer to get a correct diagnosis (both 11%).
“Asthma symptoms can be quite vague at first. A persistent cough, breathlessness, and chest tightness can overlap with other respiratory conditions. But the difference is that asthma symptoms tend to come and go, often worse at night or triggered by specific things like exercise or cold air. If you're experiencing these patterns, it's worth pushing for a proper investigation.
“Getting diagnosed and starting the right treatment makes a big difference. You'll have better sleep, be able to exercise without fear, have fewer days off work or school, and most importantly, prevent an asthma attack.
“If you're experiencing persistent asthma-like symptoms, keep a symptom diary before your GP appointment. Note when symptoms happen, what seems to trigger them, and how they affect your daily life. This gives your GP much better information to work with. They can even send you for a spirometry and peak flow test that provides clear evidence of whether or not you have asthma.”
The percentage of people with asthma who have/haven’t received emergency asthma care in the past 12 months
Response
England
Wales
Yes
29%
27%
No
71%
73%
(Source: Chemist4U via Asthma + Lung UK)
Asthma accounts for 2-3% of primary care consultations in the UK, resulting in approximately 60,000 hospital admissions and 200,000 bed days every year.
In all, more than seven in 10 people with asthma in England and Wales have not received emergency asthma care in the past 12 months (71% vs. 75%, respectively).
The number and rate of hospital admissions for asthma in England (2013 to 2024)
Year
No. of hospital admissions
No. of hospital admissions (per 100,000)
2013/14
33,409
76.6
2014/15
38,936
88.8
2015/16
38,208
85.9
2016/17
40,234
89.8
2017/18
40,884
90.2
2018/19
43,379
95.2
2019/20
44,820
95.9
2020/21
21,125
44.4
2021/22
31,831
66.5
2022/23
34,824
72.1
2023/24
41,367
84.5
(Source OHID via DHSC)
As of 2023/24, there were 41,367 hospital admissions in England due to asthma. This represented a rise of almost a quarter (23.8%) from 10 years earlier, when the figure stood at 33,409, yet 7.7% fewer admissions from the peak of 44,820 in 2019/20.
In terms of the asthma rate, this equated to 84.5 admissions per 100,000 people in the 2023/24 period. This was around a tenth higher (10.3%) compared to 2013/14, but 11.9% lower than the 2019/20 figure of 95.9 per 100,000.
The rate of hospital admissions for asthma in Scotland by gender (2002 to 2023)
According to the most recent asthma statistics available from ScotPHO, an average of 76.1 patients per 100,000 were admitted to hospital in 2022/23 with the condition.
This figure has been on a gradual downward trajectory since 2002/03, when the respective figure stood at 95.4 per 100,000 people. This represents a decrease of just over a fifth (20.2%) in two decades.
Asthma admissions rates in Scotland tend to be higher for females compared to males. As of 2022/23, this was 92.4 per 100,000 for females and 59.8 per 100,000 for males (an increase of 54.5%).
The rate of hospital admissions for asthma in Scotland by age and gender (2002 to 2023)
In 2022/23, the rate of hospital admission in Scotland by age was greatest for males under 10 at 180.1 per 100,000 people.
This was:
Around double the rate compared to females aged 10 or above (91.0 per 100,000).
Roughly four times higher compared to males aged 10 and above (45.8 per 100,000).
Approximately 70% higher compared to females under the age of 10 (180.1 per 100,000 vs. 105.6 per 100,000, respectively).
The number of Scottish males under the age of 10 admitted to hospital for asthma has almost halved since 2002/03, when the figure stood at 334.6 per 100,000.
Rates of hospital admissions due to asthma have decreased for all other age categories, notably by 6.3% for females aged 10 and above, by almost a quarter (23%) for males aged 10 and above, and by more than a third (35.7%) for males aged under 10.
What could be done to help people with asthma avoid using emergency care?
Just under three-fifths (57%) of people in England with asthma feel that better access to GP appointments would reduce the number of asthma patients using emergency care. This sentiment was echoed by people in Wales, where just over half (54%) shared the same view.
Around half (51%) of those surveyed in England believe that having an annual review would relieve some of the pressure on emergency care facilities, nearly double the percentage of respondents in Wales (28%).
Almost two-fifths (39%) of asthma patients in England reported that having a personal action plan would reduce the likelihood of them needing to visit emergency care facilities for their condition. The respective figure for those based in Wales was just over a quarter (28%).
How well do people feel that they are in control of their asthma?
Our analysis of recent asthma statistics shows that nearly two-thirds (64%) of people in England with the condition do not feel in control when it comes to managing their asthma. This figure jumps to seven in 10 (70%) people in Wales.
Conversely, only one in 10 (10%) of people in England with asthma feel that it is well controlled, dropping by two percentage points for those in Wales (8%).
Most common sources of onfline information about asthma
Around three-fifths (60%) of people in England, and more than half (56%) of those in Wales, with asthma mainly get their online information from the NHS website.
A similar proportion (55%) in England opt for the Asthma + Lung website, compared to just under half (48%) in Wales.
Conversely, social media platforms are less common for this type of information, with Facebook groups being the preferred option, at around one in 10 (10% in England and 9% in Wales).
“There's so much misinformation online about asthma management, from miracle cures to dangerous advice about stopping your preventer inhaler. But following the wrong guidance could put your health at risk.
“The NHS website is brilliant because the information is evidence-based and regularly updated by healthcare professionals. Asthma + Lung UK is another great resource. They've got practical advice on everything from recognising your triggers to what to do during an asthma attack, plus they offer a helpline staffed by respiratory nurses if you need to speak to someone directly.
“While some Facebook groups and forums can offer support, they're not a substitute for medical advice. You might see someone recommending a treatment that worked for them, but asthma is a very individual condition. What helps one person might be wrong for another, or worse, could interact badly with your other medications.
“Always cross-reference any information you find online. If you read something on social media that sounds interesting or conflicts with what you've been told, bring it up with your GP. Your annual asthma review is also the ideal time to discuss any questions or concerns you've come across online.”
And remember, if your asthma symptoms are changing or you're needing your reliever inhaler more than usual, that's a sign to book an appointment rather than searching for answers online.
Occupational asthma is caused by things that you’re exposed to in the workplace and affects around one in 10 people who develop asthma in adulthood.
Do you find that your asthma symptoms are worse at work?
According to recent asthma research, almost two-thirds (65.7%) report that their asthma symptoms are about the same at work, with just under a quarter (23%) stating that they are slightly worse.
How often does breathlessness affect your ability to work?
Frequency
Percentage of respondents (%)
Never
26%
Rarely
21%
Sometimes
32%
Often
10%
Very often
11%
(Source: Chemist4U via Asthma + Lung UK)
Almost a third (32%) of those surveyed reported experiencing breathlessness at work, compared to around one in 10 who said this happens often (10%) or very often (11%).
In all, this means that almost three-quarters (74%) of people with asthma get some degree of breathlessness while at work.
The impact of asthma on people's working lives
More than a third (35%) of people in England with asthma have given up work early due to the condition. The respective figure for Wales stands at a fifth (20%).
Further analysis shows that:
One in three (33%) asthma patients in England and Wales have taken time off work to attend GP or hospital appointments.
Around one in six (16%) of those in England and a third in Wales have taken sick leave due to asthma.
Approximately one in 9 people in England (11%) and one in eight in Wales (13%) have reduced their working hours as a direct result of their asthma symptoms.
Outcomes from a 2023 survey by Asthma + Lung UK also found that:
43.4% had taken time off work at some point due to their asthma or lung condition.
16.3% feared their condition might hold them back in the workplace.
14.8% were concerned that their income may be affected as a result of asthma.
11.2% had reduced their working hours to help manage the symptoms.
That said, more than a third (35.8%) of respondents felt that their condition did not impact their work.
The average age at which people give up work due to asthma
On average, most people in England and Wales give up work between the ages of 50 and 59 due to asthma. This was the case for around two-fifths of people in England (37%) and Wales (40%).
This was followed by around a quarter of those in England (27%) and Wales (25%) who left the workplace early due to asthma.
Over half (55.1%) of those surveyed by Asthma + Lung UK claimed to have experienced an asthma flare-up in the workplace. However, just under half (47.9%) didn’t feel confident that their employer would know what to do if they had an asthma attack while at work.
The most common responses to an asthma attack in the workplace
More than nine in 10 (91.4%) people who have suffered an asthma attack at work said their immediate response was to use their inhaler.
This was followed by around three in 10 (30.7%) who tried to stay calm and let their symptoms subside, and one in eight (12.5%) who called for a paramedic or doctor.
How easy is it for people to access their inhaler?
Notably, nearly all respondents (97.4%) reported that it was easy for them to access their inhaler at work, with more than three-quarters (76.9%) stating that it was very easy for them to do so.
Economic impact of asthma
It’s estimated that the NHS spends around £1 billion each year on the treatment and care of people with asthma.
Further analysis by Orlovic et al. estimates that the net present value of the environmental, healthcare, and societal impacts of asthma could be £47 billion for the period 2022 to 2031.
A major contributing factor to rising NHS costs is a loss of disease control. In 2022, a patient with non-severe, uncontrolled asthma could incur 22% higher NHS costs than a patient with controlled asthma.
In addition, more than three-quarters (77%) of the total economic impact was impacted by worsening health-related quality of life and the negative impact on productivity when a patient’s symptoms were uncontrolled.
UK childhood asthma statistics
Asthma is the most common long-term condition affecting children in the UK, with an estimated one in 11 having the condition. It’s also one of the top 10 reasons for emergency hospital admissions nationwide.
According to the NHS:
Around one million children in the UK are receiving treatment for asthma.
Less than 25% of those with the condition have a personalised asthma action plan (PAAP).
Nearly half of children in the UK with asthma have had an asthma attack in the last 12 months.
Three in 10 (30%) children experience daytime asthma symptoms at least once a week.
The number and rate of hospital admissions for children with asthma in England (2017 to 2023)
Year
No. of hospital admissions
No. of hospital admissions (per 100,000)
2017/18 to 2019/20
66,231
172.7
2018/19 to 2020/21
52,357
138.1
2019/20 to 2021/22
46,190
120.0
2020/21 to 2022/23
41,185
106.1
(Source: OHID via DHSC)
Between 2020/21 and 2022/23, 41,185 children with asthma were admitted to hospital in England, at a rate of 106.1 per 100,000.
These latest figures represent a year-on-year decline in both the number of admissions due to asthma and the rate per 100,000 children, with both decreasing by just under two-fifths (37.8% and 38.6%, respectively) over the course of three years.
Number of child deaths due to asthma in the UK
According to findings from the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership Ltd. (HQIP), there were 54 child deaths recorded in England due to asthma between April 2019 and March 2023. This equated to roughly one death every four weeks.
Characteristics of children who die from asthma
Further findings from the HQIP found that:
Deaths were present across all age groups (two to 17), but were highest in those aged 15 to 17 (2.07 deaths per million), followed by those aged 10 to 14 (1.61 deaths per million).
The death rate of boys was more than double that of girls (1.53 per million vs. 0.74 per million), reflecting a potentially higher prevalence of asthma.
18 deaths (34%) were reported in children from Asian, Black, Mixed, or other ethnic backgrounds, resulting in a death rate of 1.39 per million children. This was around half the amount compared to those classed as White (35) and represented two-thirds (66%) of the overall number of child deaths from asthma for this period. The resulting asthma death rate for children from a White ethnic background between 2019 and 2023 was estimated at 1.02 per million.
Slightly more children die from asthma in urban areas compared to rural settings (1.18 per million vs. 0.95 per million).
Regional asthma death rates varied across England, ranging from 0.46 per million children in the South West, up to 1.93 per million in the Midlands.
Around four times more children in England die from asthma in the most deprived neighbourhoods compared to the least deprived (2.66 per million vs. 0.68 per million). Those living in the poorest 10% of areas are also around four times more likely to be admitted to hospital for emergency-related asthma issues compared to those in the wealthiest 10%.
Child deaths from asthma also occurred throughout the year, with more than a third (35%) in the winter months of December to February. This was contrasted with just under a quarter (24%) that took place in the summer (June to August).
Eight out of 30 children (27%) who died from asthma between April 2019 and March 2023 were born prematurely (before 37 weeks of gestation) or had a birthweight under 2.5kg.
Impact of air pollution on child deaths from asthma
The two main components of traffic-generated air pollution (and the resulting most common sources of outdoor exposure) are nitrogen dioxide (NO²) and particulate matter (PM2.5).
At the home and school addresses of those children who died from asthma between 2019 and 2023, the mean average value of PM2.5 was 9.6 μg/m3. This means all 54 children who died in England from asthma during this period were likely exposed to PM2.5 levels above the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendation of 5 μg/m3, but below the UK’s guideline of 20 μg/m3.
The mean value for NO² levels between 2019 and 2023 was 17.5 μg/m³ at the child’s home and 17.6 μg/m³ at their school. Respectively, this means 92% and 95% of those who died from asthma during this time were exposed to NO² concentrations above the WHO limit of 10 μg/m³. That said, this exposure was less than half the current UK guidelines for NO² at 40 μg/m³.
Emergency hospital attendance and admissions for child deaths from asthma
More than three-fifths (63%) of those who died between April 2019 and March 2023 had attended the emergency department at least once in the 12 months before their death.
Seven out of the 54 who died during this period had attended more than five times.
50% had at least one emergency hospital admission in the year before their death, with more than a quarter (27.8%) having asthma stated as their primary reason for admission.
Use of emergency medicine amongst children
From April 2019 to March 2023, 47 children out of the 54 who died had three or more dispensed short-acting beta agonist (SABA) inhalers (e.g. a salbutamol inhaler), or relievers, in the 12 months before their death. Half of all children who died during this period had 12 or more.
Conversely, just under two-thirds (65%) had fewer than nine dispensed inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) inhalers, also known as preventers, in the year preceding their death, with more than two-fifths (43%) having four or fewer.
Number of child deaths in England due to asthma by location
Between 2019 and 2023, more than four-fifths (83.3%) of recorded child deaths due to asthma were verified in a healthcare facility. Yet only 7 out of 54 (13%) cardiac arrests took place here.
The most common location for child cardiac arrests due to asthma during this time was at their home or another private residence, accounting for almost three-fifths of cases (59.3%).
Number of child deaths in the UK due to asthma by mode of death
No. of deaths
Unsuccessful cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
29
Withholding, withdrawal, or limitation of life-sustaining treatment
11
Brainstem death
9
Found dead
1
(Source: HQIP via NCMD)
In situations where the mode of death was known (n=50), almost three-fifths (58%) involved children where an unsuccessful cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) took place.
This was followed by just over a fifth (22%) for children where life-sustaining treatment was withheld, withdrawn, or limited.
Asthma life expectancy statistics
Asthma life expectancy in the UK
Year of life lost (YLL) is a measure of premature mortality and estimates how long a person would have lived had they not died early.
YLL takes into account the age at which the death occurred and is weighted towards those that tend to happen in younger years compared to those at older ages.
It can also be used to calculate the average number of years lost to a specific cause of death (in this case, asthma) as a proportion of the total YLL lost in the population due to premature mortality as a whole.
This figure is calculated by totalling the number of deaths at each age between one and 74 years, then multiplying this figure by the number of years remaining (up to the age of 75).
The crude YYL represents the total number of years lost divided by the total population for that area under the age of 75.
Number of years of life lost (YLL) due to asthma by region
The number of years of lost life (YLL) due to asthma across England and Wales is 20,187.5 per 10,000 people, resulting in a crude rate of 1.25 per 10,000.
On average, London has the highest YLL due to asthma of all regions in England, with 3,394.5 YLL per 10,000 people. This is approximately two-fifths (40.5%) more than the South East, in second place.
By contrast, those in the North East tend to have the lowest YLL due to asthma across the country, at 965.5 YLL per 10,000 people. In all, this means they are around 3.5 times more YLL in London compared to the North East of England.
The highest crude rate for YLL in England can be found in the East Midlands (1.4 per 10,000 people), followed closely by the North West (1.39 per 10,000 people). This is around two-fifths (42.9%) higher than the South East, which has the lowest at 0.98 per 10,000 people.
Number of years of life lost (YLL) due to asthma by gender and region
Males
Females
Region/area
Years of life lost (YLL) (per 10,000 people)
Crude rate (per 10,000 people)
Years of life lost (YLL) (per 10,000 people)
Crude rate (per 10,000 people)
England and Wales
9,766.5
1.21
10,421
1.29
England
9,293.5
1.22
9,681.5
1.27
North East
474
1.32
491.5
1.35
North West
1,291
1.30
1,466.5
1.47
Yorkshire and The Humber
1,059.5
1.42
889.5
1.19
East Midlands
1,138.5
1.74
696.5
1.06
West Midlands
1,098
1.36
1,048.5
1.31
East of England
831
0.99
1,162
1.38
London
1,607.5
1.27
1,787
1.44
South East
926
0.75
1,489.5
1.20
South West
868
1.16
650.5
0.87
(Source: NHS England)
Females in England and Wales have 10,421 YLL per 10,000 people (around 6.7% more than their male counterparts).
When broken down by region:
The highest YLL from asthma for females and males can both be found in London, at 1,787 per 10,000and 1,607.5 per 100,000, respectively. This is contrasted by 491.5 YLL for females and 474 YLL for males in the North West (the lowest YLL for each group across all regions).
The highest crude rate for YLL due to asthma in the male population is found in the East Midlands (1.74 per 10,000), compared to 1.47 per 10,000 for women in the North West.
The lowest crude rate for YLL due to asthma for females is in the South West (0.87 per 10,000), compared to 0.75 per 10,000 for males in the South East.
Asthma deaths per year in the UK
More than 12,000 people in the UK have died from asthma attacks since the National Review of Asthma Deaths took place in 2014. According to our hay fever statistics report, around 15% of asthma deaths with exacerbating features listed hay fever as a contributing factor.
Overall, it’s estimated that an average of four people die every day in the UK due to asthma attacks, with two-thirds of these deemed as preventable.
Number of asthma deaths in the UK per year (2010 to 2022)
Year
England
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland
UK
5-year average
2010
963
91
63
34
1,151
-
2011
974
94
55
33
1,156
-
2012
1068
89
67
31
1,255
-
2013
1,037
105
72
35
1,249
-
2014
1,114
72
65
30
1,281
1,218
2015
1,302
122
77
44
1,545
1,297
2016
1,237
133
64
39
1,473
1,361
2017
1,320
126
82
37
1,565
1,423
2018
1,422
114
84
48
1,668
1,506
2019
1,280
98
74
42
1,494
1,549
2020
1,336
113
76
33
1,558
1,552
2021
1,146
96
75
35
1,352
1,527
2022
1,236
111
78
40
1,465
1,507
(Source: ONS, National Records of Scotland and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) via Asthma + Lung UK)
According to the most recent asthma statistics available, there were 1,465 asthma deaths recorded in 2022 across the UK, with more than four-fifths (84.4%) of these located in England. The five-year average for asthma deaths in the UK between 2018 and 2022 stood at 1,507.
The number of UK deaths from asthma fluctuated between 2010 and 2022, but was generally on an upward trajectory. During this time, asthma deaths in the UK rose by more than a quarter (27.3%).
Asthma research case study:
A study by Zhang et al. found that of 34,301 patients with severe asthma, just under one in 20 (4.9%) were suffering from severe uncontrolled asthma.
An analysis of death rates among this population concluded that there was an average of 2.01 deaths per 1,000 person-years (PY) for severe asthma and 5.31 deaths per 1,000 PY for those with severe uncontrolled asthma.
This suggests that those with severe uncontrolled asthma are around 2.5 times more likely to die due to asthma than those with severe controlled asthma.
Global number of asthma deaths
Asthma is a relatively rare cause of mortality, accounting for less than 1% of deaths in most countries. In all, it’s estimated that around 250,000 deaths per year can be attributed to asthma worldwide.
Globally, asthma was responsible for approximately 461,100 deaths in 2019. With a global age-standardised death rate of 5.8 per 100,000 people, this represented a 51.3% decrease in the number of global asthma deaths compared to 1990.
Furthermore, the global age-standardised disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rate stood at 273.6 per 100,000 people (equating to a total of 21.6 million).
Findings from Safiri et al. suggest that asthma burden tends to decrease as countries become more economically and socially developed. The most common factors that contributed to global asthma deaths between 1990 and 2019 were found to be high BMI (16.9%), smoking (9.9%), and occupational asthmagens (8.8%).
This is supported by asthma research from Yuan et al., who concluded that the contribution of high BMI to asthma DALYs increased by 4.3% worldwide between 1990 and 2021.
Asthma attack statistics
More than half (53.3%) of children with asthma aged 13 to 14 years old in the world’s poorest countries suffer from severe symptoms.
This figure tends to decrease as a country gets richer, with just over two-fifths (42.3%) of those in the wealthiest nations experiencing the same severity of asthma symptoms.
Severity of asthma symptoms by age group and country income level
According to findings from the 2022 Global Asthma Report, less than half (47.4%) of those aged six to seven years old in upper-middle-income countries experience severe asthma symptoms, compared to less than two-fifths (38.3%) in low- to lower-middle-income countries and high-income countries (37.8%).
This pattern is largely replicated for adults worldwide, with just over two-fifths (42.4%) experiencing severe asthma symptoms in upper-middle-income countries. The respective figures for low- to middle-income countries and high-income nations are 36.2% and 36.5%, respectively.
How often do people have asthma attacks?
Every 10 seconds, someone experiences a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.
Characteristics of different levels of asthma
Intermittent asthma
Mild persistent asthma
Moderate persistent asthma
Severe persistent asthma
Frequency of symptoms
Less than twice a week with short flare-ups
Three to six times a week
Daily
Throughout the day
Impact on daily activities
None
May be affected by flare-ups
Somewhat affected by flare-ups and symptoms
Very limited by flare-ups and symptoms
Symptoms at night
No more than twice a month
Three to four times per month
Five or more times a month
Often
Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1)
80% or better
80% or better
60% to 80%
60% or less
Peak flow rate
Varies by less than 20%
Varies by less than 20%
Varies by more than 30%
Varies by more than 30%
(Source: Allergy & Asthma Network)
Generally speaking, the frequency of asthma symptoms tends to increase in proportion to the severity of the condition. For example, intermittent asthma tends to occur less than twice a week and can be accompanied by a short flare-up, whereas severe and persistent asthma can last throughout the day.
Night-time symptoms also tend to increase in frequency from no more than twice a month for intermittent asthma up to five or more times a month for moderate, persistent asthma.
How long is the average asthma attack? There is no set time for how long an asthma attack could last. As a general rule, mild asthma attacks may only last for a few minutes before your symptoms are under control.
However, a severe asthma attack could escalate over just a few hours, or build gradually over a few days, and lead to hospitalisation.
Average number of puffs to stop an asthma attack
The average number of puffs required to stop an asthma attack will depend on many factors, such as the type of inhaler you have and how severe your asthma is.
For example, those with a(n):
Blue reliever inhaler have a recommended dosage of one puff every 30 to 60 seconds, up to a maximum of 10 puffs.
Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART) inhaler are advised to take one puff every one to three minutes, up to a maximum of six puffs.
Anti-Inflammatory Reliever (AIR) inhaler should take one puff every one to three minutes, up to six puffs.
For each of these inhaler types, if you feel worse or you don’t feel better by the time you have taken the required number of puffs, then you should call 999 for an ambulance.
If an ambulance doesn’t arrive within 10 minutes, then repeat the process. If the ambulance has still not arrived by this point, then contact 999 again immediately.
Asthma inhaler statistics
There are two main types of inhalers:
Reliever inhaler - usually blue and should be used when someone has asthma symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing.
Preventer inhaler - should be used daily to help keep inflammation and swelling of the airways under control, thereby reducing the risk of an asthma attack.
Based on asthma research by Asthma + Lung UK, an estimated one million people in the UK with the condition could be relying on their reliever inhaler rather than using a preventer inhaler.
In a survey of more than 8,000 people with asthma, around one in five were found to be using their reliever inhaler too often. On average, people were going through at least six per year, around three times the recommended number by asthma experts.
Overusing a reliever inhaler can increase the risk of an asthma attack, hospitalisation, and even death, as the asthma becomes less likely to be under control.
“Your blue reliever inhaler, usually salbutamol or terbutaline, is for immediate symptom relief. It opens up your airways when you're feeling wheezy or breathless, but it does nothing to tackle the underlying inflammation in your lungs. That's the job of your preventer inhaler, which you should be using every day, even when you feel fine.
“If you're using your blue inhaler more than three times a week, or getting through more than two a year, your asthma isn't under control. You're essentially firefighting symptoms rather than preventing them, and that puts you at risk of an asthma attack.”
According to the NHS, the recommended way to use a salbutamol inhaler is to take one or two puffs as needed. You can use it up to a maximum of four times a day, regardless of whether you have one or two puffs each time.
In the event of a sudden asthma attack, it may be necessary to increase your inhaler usage and take up to 10 puffs. The recommendation is to wait 30 to 60 seconds between each puff and always shake the inhaler each time.
When using a beclometasone inhaler as a preventer for asthma, you usually take one or two puffs twice a day.
However, this type of inhaler can come in different strengths. Some beclometasone inhalers may be used up to four times a day, or to have more than two puffs at a time.
If your inhaler contains formoterol, you may be instructed to use it as both a preventer and a reliever when you’re experiencing wheezing or a tight chest. In this case, doses can be up to eight inhalations a day.
Therefore, it’s essential to follow the instructions provided by your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist and consult them if you notice that your breathing is worsening.
If you’re using your reliever inhaler three or more times a week, then this could suggest your asthma is not under control, and you face a potentially higher risk of having an asthma attack.
Some people may take preventer inhalers regularly and correctly, but still get asthma symptoms three or four times a week. This may indicate that they have severe asthma and require specialist treatment.
How many puffs does an inhaler have?
Some inhalers have a dose counter, which tells you how many puffs or sucks you have left before they run out. However, some metered dose inhalers don’t have these, which makes it more difficult to work out how long you have left until you need a new inhaler.
There is a simple way in which you can work out when your inhaler is likely to run out:
Take a brand-new inhaler and check how many puffs it has. This is usually 120 or 200 and is generally printed on the box, or you can ask your pharmacist.
Add up how many puffs you take each day (which should be either two or four, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor).
Divide the number of puffs in the inhaler by the number of puffs you take per day. For example, if your inhaler has 120 puffs and you use two doses a day, it should last for approximately 60 days (or roughly two months). This will enable you to work out when your current inhaler will run out and when to get a new one.
Average number of puffs per inhaler
No. of doses/puffs
Two puffs a day (one in the morning and one at night)
Four puffs a day (two in the morning and two at night)
120
8 weeks
4 weeks
200
14 weeks
7 weeks
(Source: BeatAsthma)
As a general rule of thumb, inhalers with 120 doses should last approximately eight weeks (two months) if you take two puffs a day and four weeks (a month) if you take four puffs a day.
Similarly, inhalers with 200 doses should last about 14 weeks (2.5 months) or 7 weeks (just under two months), depending on whether you use two or four puffs per day, respectively.
How often should you replace your inhaler?
According to asthma research by Asthma + Lung UK in 2024, roughly three in five people (61%) surveyed with asthma had had an inhaler check within the previous 12 months.
Percentage of people who have/haven’t had their inhaler checked by a healthcare professional in the past year
This highlights that two in every five people in England with asthma have not received an inhaler check within the last year. This means they may be using an incorrect inhaler or one that is outdated, therefore putting themselves at higher risk of a possible asthma attack.
Helpful hints and tips
You should replace your inhaler when it’s empty. Keeping track of your puffs, as outlined above, will help you calculate how long your inhaler should last.
You should also replace your inhaler when it has expired. This is usually written on the side of the canister or box it came in.
Consider returning your empty or expired inhalers to your local pharmacy, where they can be appropriately disposed of.
Asthma FAQs
How common is asthma?
Asthma affects approximately eight in every 100 people in the UK, resulting in an asthma population of around 7.2 million.
How many people have asthma?
As of 2025, it’s estimated that 434 million people worldwide may have asthma.
What percentage of people have asthma?
It’s estimated that around 8% of people in the UK have asthma.
What age group does asthma affect the most?
The age group most likely to be affected by asthma in England and Wales are those aged 60 to 69, accounting for a third of the asthma population.
Who is most likely to get asthma?
Those most likely to get asthma in England and Wales are females (79%), aged between 60 and 69 (33%), and in fair health (between 42% and 43%).
How many people die from asthma each year?
It’s estimated that an average of four people die every day in the UK due to asthma attacks, equating to approximately 1,460 a year. According to the most recent asthma statistics available, there were 1,465 asthma deaths recorded in 2022 across the UK. More than four-fifths (84.4%) of these were located in England.
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