Inflammation, narrowing of the lungs, and difficulty breathing are some of the prominent symptoms of chronic asthma. This severe condition is also known as bronchial ashtma, which affects around 25 million people in the country. The elements present in the environment are crucial in terms of both aggravating and alleviating asthma and allergies. Smoke, fumes, mold, high humidity, cold temperatures, and pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and ozone concentration can worsen asthma symptoms. 

These cities record the most cases of asthma in the country:

1. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa is a city known for its art deco architecture in a State abounding in trees. Hence this place in Oklahoma is a no-go for those who have Asthma. Sadly, 10.5% of adults in Oklahoma suffer from Asthma. Mountain Cedar pollen, one of the most potent allergens, is unfortunately present in most of the trees and vegetation in the region. On the other hand, staying in Oklahoma is advantageous now because the asthma problem prompted a 100% smoke-free law. 

2. Greensboro, North Carolina
Greensboro in North Carolina is a city with a high incidence of hospital visits due to many asthma patients. Both medical and environmental factors make this city disadvantageous for asthma patients. Fungus, mold, and pests are a problem in most homes in this city due to the agriculture practiced in the area. Some statistics also indicate that insufficient access to reliable healthcare is also a factor that causes Asthma. This city also falls in a low-income belt, and the rural communities that are not always covered by health insurance are another cause for the spread of asthma. 

3. Baltimore, Maryland
Most statistics indicate that Maryland is one of the worst cities in the country due to the highest asthma rates at 12.4%. Asthma-related emergency room visits are incredibly high in this city. The presence of a coal plant makes the air in Baltimore rich in NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), NO3 (nitrate ions), and ozone, apart from particulate matter, all that aggravate already existing lung conditions. The higher than average fatalities related to Asthma directly point to the area’s existing poverty and horrible living conditions. 

4. Hartford, Connecticut
Around 11% of Hartford children and 10.5% of adults suffer from asthma. A lot of cities in Connecticut are not suitable for people with asthma and allergies. It is primarily due to automobile smoke, a high percentage of residents who smoke, inefficient trash disposal methods, and mold. One statistic from 2018 indicates that there were 1,738 asthma patients in a region with about 10,000 residents. The lower-income areas are more susceptible to asthma attacks, and hospitalizations are also more common here.

5. Birmingham, Alabama
With a poverty rate of 16.2% and lax smoking laws, it is no wonder why Birmingham is a dangerous place for asthma patients. Particulate matter is prevalent in the city year-round, and this is due to ​​coal-fired power plants, diesel engines, wildfires, and wood-burning equipment. The higher ozone levels also make Birmingham unsuitable for those with asthma and allergies. 

Speak to your doctor about steps to protect yourself from environmental triggers.