Asthma is a condition that causes the airways to become narrowed or blocked, making it difficult to breathe. The cells lining the airway sometimes produce thick mucus, making it even more difficult to breathe and may necessitate a visit to the emergency room. Symptoms of asthma and allergies include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. People living with asthma say it is like an elephant sitting on their chest. Both adults and children can be victims of this condition.

Many things may trigger asthma or allergy attacks; known environmental factors include poor air quality, gas and diesel fumes, smoke, and pollen. There is no definitive answer to why some people are more susceptible to air pollutants and other triggers than others. However, the city in which you reside may play a role:

1. Springfield, MA
The city nicknamed “The City of Firsts” for having America’s first armory and the first American-made car also has the dubious honor of being named as the 2018 Asthma capital of the United States by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. It continues to be a city that is not friendly to asthma sufferers. Exhaust from vehicles, severe weather shifts, air pollutants, humid summers, and high pollen have made this city hard for residents who have asthma.

2. Dayton, OH
Home to visitor attractions like the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and the Carillon Historical Park, this city is also known for unfavorable conditions for people with asthma. Located in the Ohio valley, its geography causes allergens like pollen to accumulate in the area. Along with the car exhaust, air pollutants, and increased pollen in the spring, city life is more challenging for asthma sufferers who breathe in the pollen and pollutants every day.

3. Greensboro, NC
Greensboro is another city that people with asthma might want to avoid. With a population of about 300,000 and an area of 132 square miles, it is one of North Carolina’s largest cities. Located between the Smokey mountains to the west and the beaches to the east, Greensboro has a favorable climate for ragweed spores. The tree-lined streets are iconic, but the pollen released in the spring is not. The climate, pollen, and car exhaust keep this city on the asthma victim’s unattractive list.

4. Philadelphia, PA
Low air quality is a prime contributor to the high asthma rates of Pennsylvania’s largest city. Streets congested with cars add to air pollution. Pollution from the refineries in the City of Brotherly Love and neighboring Ohio makes the air quality poor. The increased pollution adds to the number of asthma episodes and hospital visits.

5. Cleveland, OH
Located on Lake Erie’s shore, Cleveland is known for its water sports, the Cavaliers basketball team, and high ragweed and pollen levels. In 2019, it was ranked as the 5th worst city for asthma. Allergens, air pollution, and diesel particles irritate the airways. You may welcome a mild winter, but warmer weather and increased humidity lead to an increased amount of ragweed pollen.