Asthma

Get maps, charts, tables, and data about asthma. About asthma.

Asthma is a common disease in which the lungs become swollen, making breathing difficult. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. The exact causes of asthma are not known. Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled.

Asthma is a leading cause of emergency room visits, hospitalizations and missed school days in New York City’s poorest neighborhoods. In NYC, asthma is more common among low-income Black and Latino children.

Asthma and the Environment

Certain things in the environment can trigger an asthma attack or make symptoms worse. Common triggers include:

  • Tobacco smoke
  • Air pollution, such as particulates, ozone and diesel exhaust
  • Dust mites, cockroaches and mold
  • Pollen
  • Pets

Controlling Asthma

Asthma does not have to prevent you from leading an active and healthy life. You can take charge by having a plan to control asthma, including these strategies for avoiding asthma triggers:

  • Check the weather report daily for air pollution level (“air quality index”) and pollen counts. Limit time outside when air pollution levels or pollen counts are high.
  • If you smoke, quit. Don’t allow smoking in your home or car.
  • Remove clutter and clean regularly to reduce dust levels in your home.
  • Work with your landlord to fix leaks promptly to prevent mold. If your landlord fails to fix the problem, call 311.
  • Do not allow furry pets on the furniture or in the bedroom.
  • Pest proof your home. If building conditions may be attracting pests, contact your landlord. If your landlord does not address your concerns, call 311.

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Adults with asthma

Adults age 18 and older who have ever been diagnosed with asthma.

Adults with asthma (past 12 months)

Asthma is a common disease characterized by breathing difficulty. Poor air quality and housing issues increase risk of developing and triggering asthma.

Children ever diagnosed with asthma

Children ages 1 to 13 that have ever received an asthma diagnosis.

Youth asthma (past 12 months)

Public high school students who reported having an asthma attack in the past 12 months.

Children with an asthma attack (past 12 months)

Children ages 1 to 13 who have had an asthma attack in the past year. Asthma attacks are a measureable adverse health outcome of asthma.

Children still with asthma

Children ages 1 to 13 that currently have asthma. Not every asthma diagnosis is correct. The number of children who still have asthma is usually smaller than the number of children who have ever been diagnosed with asthma.

Asthma emergency department visits (adults)

Severe asthma attacks can result in a visit to the ED. Things like smoke, air pollution, dust mites, cockroaches, mold, pollen and pet dander can trigger asthma.

Asthma emergency department visits (adults), by NTA

Severe asthma attacks can result in a visit to the ED. Things like smoke, air pollution, dust mites, cockroaches, mold, pollen and pet dander can trigger asthma.

Asthma emergency department visits (age 4 and under)

Severe asthma attacks can result in a visit to the ED. Things like smoke, air pollution, dust mites, cockroaches, mold, pollen and pet dander can trigger asthma.

Asthma emergency department visits (age 4 and under), by NTA

Severe asthma attacks can result in a visit to the ED. Things like smoke, air pollution, dust mites, cockroaches, mold, pollen and pet dander can trigger asthma.

Asthma emergency department visits (age 5 to 17)

Severe asthma attacks can result in a visit to the ED. Things like smoke, air pollution, dust mites, cockroaches, mold, pollen and pet dander can trigger asthma.

Asthma emergency department visits (age 5 to 17), by NTA

Severe asthma attacks can result in a visit to the ED. Things like smoke, air pollution, dust mites, cockroaches, mold, pollen and pet dander can trigger asthma.

Asthma hospitalizations (adults)

Asthma hospitalizations are more severe asthma outcomes. They're often clustered in high-poverty neighborhoods, where disinvestment and poor housing conditions expose residents to triggers.

Asthma hospitalizations (adults), by NTA

Asthma hospitalizations are more severe asthma outcomes. They're often clustered in high-poverty neighborhoods, where disinvestment and poor housing conditions expose residents to triggers.

Asthma hospitalizations (age 4 and under)

Asthma hospitalizations are more severe asthma outcomes. They're often clustered in high-poverty neighborhoods, where disinvestment and poor housing conditions expose residents to triggers.

Asthma hospitalizations (age 4 and under), by NTA

Asthma hospitalizations are more severe asthma outcomes. They're often clustered in high-poverty neighborhoods, where disinvestment and poor housing conditions expose residents to triggers.

Asthma hospitalizations (age 5 to 17)

Asthma hospitalizations are more severe asthma outcomes. They're often clustered in high-poverty neighborhoods, where disinvestment and poor housing conditions expose residents to triggers.

Asthma hospitalizations (age 5 to 17), by NTA

Asthma hospitalizations are more severe asthma outcomes. They're often clustered in high-poverty neighborhoods, where disinvestment and poor housing conditions expose residents to triggers.