This study estimates the global burden of asthma in adults using data from the World Health Survey (WHS), conducted by the World Health Organization in 2002-2003. The survey included 178,215 individuals from 70 countries aged 18 to 45 years. The prevalence of doctor-diagnosed asthma, clinical/treated asthma, and wheezing in adults was 4.3%, 4.5%, and 8.6%, respectively, with significant variations across countries, ranging up to 21-fold. Australia had the highest rates for all three definitions. Among those with clinical/treated asthma, 24% were current smokers, half reported wheezing, and 20% had never been treated. The study highlights that asthma remains a significant public health concern worldwide, with high smoking prevalence acting as a major barrier to control. While resource-rich countries had the highest prevalence, resource-poor nations also suffered significantly, posing challenges for development. The findings provide valuable insights for policy makers and healthcare providers to address asthma through tailored interventions and improved treatment access.This study estimates the global burden of asthma in adults using data from the World Health Survey (WHS), conducted by the World Health Organization in 2002-2003. The survey included 178,215 individuals from 70 countries aged 18 to 45 years. The prevalence of doctor-diagnosed asthma, clinical/treated asthma, and wheezing in adults was 4.3%, 4.5%, and 8.6%, respectively, with significant variations across countries, ranging up to 21-fold. Australia had the highest rates for all three definitions. Among those with clinical/treated asthma, 24% were current smokers, half reported wheezing, and 20% had never been treated. The study highlights that asthma remains a significant public health concern worldwide, with high smoking prevalence acting as a major barrier to control. While resource-rich countries had the highest prevalence, resource-poor nations also suffered significantly, posing challenges for development. The findings provide valuable insights for policy makers and healthcare providers to address asthma through tailored interventions and improved treatment access.