- In 2021, 13.3% of American Indian/Alaska Native adults had asthma, the highest prevalence of any population.1
- Overall, American Indian/Alaska Native children reported 42% more cases of asthma compared to children from the total population between 2019 - 2021.1
- Data on asthma conditions for American Indian/Alaska Natives are limited.
- While all the causes of asthma remain unclear, children exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke exposure are at increased risk for acute lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis. Children living below or near the poverty level are more likely to have high levels of blood cotinine, a breakdown product of nicotine, than children living in higher income families.1
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Prevalence
Death rates
Treatment
The most recent National Health Interview Survey does not include data for American Indians and Alaska Natives. For information about Asthma Control in Tribal communities, visit the Indian Health Service website.
Children
1 CDC, 2022. Data, Statistics, and Surveillance, Most Recent National Asthma Data. (Back to top)
Date Last Reviewed: November 2025