In 2021, around 9.7% of adults and 6.5% of children in the United States reported having asthma. 11.7% of adults and 9.7% children from Massachusetts reported having Asthma that same year. For data and information on the prevalence of childhood asthma, see the MA EPHT - Pediatric Asthma page.
Tracking hospitalization and emergency department (ED) visits can help us understand uncontrolled asthma. Significant inequities in asthma outcomes continue to exist within Massachusetts. Cases are higher for adults living with low income and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. Hospitalization and ED visits for Black and Hispanic residents were 3-4x higher than those of White residents.
Other factors like smoking are known to contribute to these differences. However, individuals in these groups are also more likely to be exposed to air pollutants. Those identifying as LGBTQIA+ and people of color are also more likely to face medical discrimination. These groups may also have difficulty accessing inclusive healthcare.
You can use the display to review Asthma hospitalization or ED rates for any city or town in Massachusetts.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that can make it hard to breathe. During an asthma attack, the airways of the lungs become inflamed and narrowed. This results in wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing. Acute asthma attacks can be triggered by common things in the environment. Common triggers are dust, mold, tobacco smoke, and strong smells from chemicals (such as cleaning products). They can also be triggered by exercise, colds, and other respiratory infections.
It isn’t clear why some people get asthma in the first place while others do not. New evidence points towards air pollution, obesity, exposure to tobacco smoke and workplace exposures, that increase the risk of developing the disease. The best way to prevent asthma is to avoid as many risk factors as possible.
While there is no cure, asthma can be controlled. Individuals with asthma can lead an active and healthy life.
What are symptoms of asthma?
Symptoms of asthma include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
Who is at risk of asthma?
It isn’t clear why some people get asthma in the first place while others do not. However, new evidence on what causes the disease and how it can be prevented is emerging. Researchers have learned environmental exposures and genetics can cause asthma. Examples of these exposures are tobacco smoke, pollution, or substances that people are exposed to at work. Learn more in the sections below.
Health
Asthma can affect people of all ages. However, it is the most common chronic disease in children, and it often starts in childhood. Factors that can put someone at risk for asthma are:
- Genetics and family history,
- Hormones and hormonal therapies
- History of viral respiratory infections and allergies
- Other co-existing health conditions, such as obesity.
Environment
Research shows that short- and long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution is a risk factor. In particular, exposures to particulate matter and ozone can cause Asthma. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) provides a map of the “Air Quality Index” (AQI). This map tells you how clean or polluted the air in your area is. This shows you what associated health effects might be a concern for you to consider. For more information, connect to: MassAir Online. Historic particulate matter and ozone data are also available on the MA EPHT – Outdoor Air Quality page.
The indoor environment is also a source of asthma triggers:
- Tobacco smoke
- Strong odors or sprays from cleaning or personal care products
- Mold
- Pets and pests
- Dust mites
Changes in the climate will also contribute to increased risks for asthma. Extreme heat events can significantly worsen childhood asthma. These events are associated with increased hospitalization for asthma attacks. Extreme heat events are projected to become more frequent. Similarly, we can expect increased frequency and severity of flooding and extreme weather events. These events can lead to more moisture and mold. Moisture and mold can exacerbate asthma.
Work-related exposure
According to Johns Hopkins, 10 – 25% of adult asthma is related to workplace exposures. Common irritants include:
- Formaldehyde, epoxy, and other chemicals
- Dust, gases, exhaust, vapors, and fumes
- Pollen
- Cold air
- Insects and animals
- Smoke, including second-hand smoke
Social factors
Our health is impacted by the social determinants of health (SDoH). These are the social, economic, and physical factors where we work, live and play.
Certain groups of people are more likely to get Asthma. This includes people of color and those identifying as LGBTQIA+. Those who are experiencing low income also have a higher risk. These groups are more likely to experience worse outcomes due to their asthma as well.
Throughout history, programs and policies have been created that negatively impact these groups. For example, zoning laws, housing covenants, and redlining restricted access to housing. Often, these groups have to live in lower quality housing and in areas with higher pollution. These areas have higher levels of environmental contaminants and toxic waste sites. People living in these neighborhoods are more likely to have Asthma. Poor living conditions can also make managing asthma difficult.
The American Lung Association has information on asthma causes, triggers. You can also find ways to manage or create asthma-friendly environments.
How can you prevent asthma?
Although there is no cure, people with asthma can live healthy, active lives. Well-managed asthma, including safe and healthy environments, can help to reduce asthma symptoms.
Asthma requires attention, even when you feel well. If you have asthma, talk with your healthcare provider to learn how to care for your asthma. Ask your doctor to fill out an asthma action plan. Using prescribed medications and avoiding asthma triggers are parts of Asthma Action Plans. You can also try to reduce your exposure to environmental triggers, such as indoor and outdoor air pollutants.
Learn about indoor air pollutants and ways to improve building conditions by visiting the MA EPHT Indoor Air Quality page.
Why does MA EPHT track asthma?
Having to go to the hospital for asthma may be due to:
- Uncontrolled asthma conditions
- Limited access to health care services
- And/or inadequate medical treatment practices.
MA EPHT provides asthma hospitalization rates for adults and children. Rates are provided for both admissions and ED visits.
This data can be used to identify patterns or trends in asthma. Additionally, we can identify areas that may have barriers to medical care. By knowing these areas, we can monitor the burden of asthma. We can also find how asthma affects health-related quality of life. This can guide disease prevention and intervention programs.
Available data
Use the Explore Asthma Data link on this page to access the following measures:
- Annual number of hospitalizations / ED visits
- Annual crude rate per 100,000 population
- Annual age-adjusted rate per 100,000 population
- Explore data in tables, charts, and maps
MA EPHT presents case counts and crude rates on Asthma emergency department and hospital admissions for the following geographies city/town, county, EP region, EOHHS region, and statewide. Measures are offered by a combination of year, age group, and sex. The most current available data is shown. Be sure to check the site periodically as new data is added each year. To protect privacy, no information is shown that could identify an individual.
For more information on this dataset, visit the MA EPHT Metadata webpage.
Additional resources
Massachusetts
- DPH Asthma and Related Information: General DPH asthma resources and information.
- Center for Health Information and Analysis: Information about Health Care Finance and Policy in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Essential School Health Services Program: Information on ongoing school health service systems development and technical assistance to the Commonwealth’s 351 public school districts
- DPH Asthma in Schools: Data to Action Project: Information on the BCEH asthma in schools data to action project.
- DPH Asthma Publications: Information and resources on asthma in Massachusetts
- DPH Statistics About Asthma: General information on statewide asthma statistics.
National
- Allergy & Asthma Network-Mothers of Asthmatics: Information about living with a child with asthma
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology: General information about asthma and allergies
- American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology: General information about asthma and information about where to find an allergist
- American Lung Association: Information about a variety of lung diseases and ailments
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, New England Chapter: Information on asthma services in New England
- Environmental Council of States - Policy Documents: Information on national asthma efforts through the Coalitions to Address Asthma.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Asthma: Information on environmental concerns related to asthma
- Global Initiative for Asthma: Information about global asthma management and prevention strategies
- National Environmental Public Health Tracking: Asthma: View asthma data on the CDC Environmental Public Health Tracking website.
- National Heart Lung Blood Institute: General information about lung disease
- Asthma Regional Council of New England: Information on asthma initiatives in New England