Asthma is a chronic health condition that occurs when the airways swell and become filled with mucus, making it hard to breathe. Asthma is a serious condition that affects about 25 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Some patients with chronic asthma may be diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (or COPD), which is an umbrella term for several inflammatory lung diseases that cause breathing issues due to symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath, frequent coughing, and pain and tightness in the chest.
Many of the triggers for asthma and COPD may be environmental in nature, referring to pollutants found in the air (i.e., smog), or weather patterns that cause high pollen counts.
With this in mind, here are some of the worst cities to live in for patients with breathing issues:
1. Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is listed as one of the worst affected cities for air pollution that has resulted in a high prevalence of asthma cases. The health of its residents is at risk because they are increasingly breathing in impure air that is fueled by environmental pollutants such as local emissions. Environmental triggers such as industrial emissions continue to deplete the ozone layer making it harder to clean up.
2. Cleveland, OH
Cleveland is ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the U.S., according to the “State of the Air” report that was released by the American Lung Association in 2019. Many city residents visit the emergency room frequently because of asthma attacks that have been triggered by environmental factors such as industrial emissions and traffic congestion.
3. Springfield, MA
Springfield has a large percentage of residents affected by asthma. The high asthma rates can be attributed to high pollen counts and congested traffic conditions. The gases emitted by cars and industries all contribute to the smog that makes the air quality ripe for asthma flare-ups.
4. Dayton, OH
Dayton is among one of the worst cities to live in for anyone with breathing problems. The high asthma incidence is attributed to high pollen counts, pollution of the air, environmental smog, and low rates of insurance among families living in poverty. Residents are increasingly exposed to ground-level smog that has been worsened by warmer weather conditions as a result of climate change.
5. Greensboro, NC
The prevalence of asthma in Greensboro is very high and is at its peak in the spring during the grass and tree pollen season. In fact, playing outside for children with asthma living in this city is so dangerous because they are exposed to pollutants such as gases from tailpipes and smokestacks over a prolonged period of time. Poor air quality continues to be one of the major causes of asthma-related emergency room visits.