Prevalence of Asthma

The prevalence of asthma is increasing worldwide; and it is more common in Western and Westernised societies. Because of the relating rapid increase in the prevalence of asthma, it has been largely attributed to changes in environmental factors.

Studies now suggest that about 7% of adults and up to 15% of children in the U.K. have asthma and there are estimated to be 3 to 5 million people on asthma treatment in the U.K.

The annual cost to the NHS for asthma exceeds £850 million.

Approximately 1,600 people die from asthma each year in the U.K. and over 18 million working days are lost each year, because of asthma.