Global Prevalence of Asthma in Adults with Atopic Dermatitis and the Atopic Dermatitis-Asthma Association.

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma are common type 2 inflammatory diseases linked by the atopic march. In adults with AD, the prevalence of comorbid asthma and the strength of the AD-asthma association remain uncertain, with marked heterogeneity across studies. Moreover, the role of modern systemic therapies in this comorbidity is increasingly debated.

Objective

To estimate the global pooled prevalence of asthma in adults with AD, quantify the AD-asthma association, and discuss the potential impact of targeted therapies (dupilumab, abrocitinib, omalizumab) on asthma comorbidity.

Methods

Systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis (ID CRD420261304804) of observational studies from PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (inception to 19 January 2026). Pooled prevalence and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated, with subgroup analyses by region, ethnicity, and disease definition.

Results

Seventy-five studies were included. The global pooled prevalence of asthma in adults with AD was 25.9% (95% CI 22.1-30.0%; I2 = 99.9%). AD was significantly associated with asthma (OR 3.64, 95% CI 2.89-4.57; I2 = 98.6%). Prevalence varied from 9.3% in Asia to 63.2% in South America. Although dupilumab and other targeted agents are effective in both diseases, isolated reports of new-onset asthma after treatment were identified; these cases more likely reflect the natural progression of AD or unmasking of pre-existing asthma than a direct adverse drug reaction.

Conclusions

Asthma is highly prevalent in adults with AD and is strongly associated with AD. Geographic and ethnic disparities call for stratified screening. Clinicians should be aware that new-onset respiratory symptoms during targeted therapy may represent AD-related comorbidity rather than drug-induced asthma.