The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) released its 2026 “Asthma Capitals” report this week, and Dallas found itself at the center of the findings. The city was ranked No. 18 out of 100 metropolitan areas nationwide for the difficulty residents face in managing asthma, making it the sole Texas metro in the top‑20.
How the ranking was calculated
AAFA evaluated each metro area on three key metrics: estimated asthma prevalence, asthma‑related emergency department (ED) visits, and asthma‑related death rates. Dallas scored worse than average for both prevalence and ED visits, while its death rate was deemed average compared with the other metros studied.
Texas metros in the national picture
Six Texas metros appeared in the AAFA list:
- Dallas – No. 18
- El Paso – No. 70
- San Antonio – No. 74
- Austin – No. 78
- McAllen – No. 79
- Houston – No. 95
Overall, the report notes that asthma remains one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States, affecting roughly 28 million Americans. It also estimates that an average of nine to eleven people die from asthma each day, with 3,279 asthma‑related deaths recorded nationwide in 2024.
Underlying risk factors in Dallas and beyond
AAFA stressed that asthma outcomes are shaped not only by individual health but also by broader community conditions. Factors such as housing quality, air‑quality standards, access to health care, poverty levels, insurance coverage, pollen exposure, and respiratory infections all play a role.
In the Texas cohort, McAllen topped the list for poverty and lack of health insurance, while El Paso ranked second for uninsured residents and Dallas placed third. Houston and San Antonio also appeared among the ten metros with the highest uninsured rates. San Antonio received failing grades for ozone days and particle pollution in the American Lung Association’s 2026 State of the Air report, and Houston ranked tenth for low RSV vaccination rates.
What Dallas can do to improve asthma outcomes
The AAFA report offers concrete steps for communities seeking to lower asthma burdens. Improving housing conditions—such as fixing leaks, reducing mold, and sealing cracks—can lessen indoor triggers. Strengthening local air‑quality standards, increasing ventilation and filtration in homes and schools, and addressing outdoor pollutants are also critical.
Expanding access to medical care, especially for families without insurance, can help residents better control their condition and avoid costly emergency visits. The organization notes that nationally, asthma accounts for nearly one million ED visits each year, underscoring the importance of proactive management.
Local response
Dallas city officials and health‑care providers have acknowledged the AAFA findings and expressed a commitment to address the identified gaps. Mayor [Name] highlighted the need for stronger partnerships between the public‑health department, housing agencies, and local schools to create healthier environments for children and adults alike.
Community groups, including the Dallas Allergy & Asthma Coalition, are already mobilizing volunteers to conduct home‑inspection workshops and to advocate for tighter air‑quality regulations at the state level. Their efforts align with the broader Texas push to improve insurance coverage and reduce poverty‑related health disparities.
Looking ahead
While Dallas’ death rate from asthma remains average, the high prevalence and emergency‑room visit numbers signal a clear opportunity for improvement. By tackling housing, air quality, and access‑to‑care challenges, the city can move toward a healthier future for its residents and potentially climb out of the top‑20 list in future AAFA reports.
Original reporting: Dallas – Ft. Worth Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
