A few weeks ago, we shared the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's (AAFA) list of the worst cities for fall allergies. In an effort to accommodate asthma sufferers as well, the AAFA also published a list — based on a dozen different factors — that examines the most challenging parts of the United States to live in if you have to deal with this chronic respiratory disease.
"It's not just air pollution patients should be worried about," states the AAFA. "Factors such as pollen, secondhand smoke — even high rates of poverty, a large uninsured population or a high number of ER visits — can be critical signs that certain cities and states are worse for families with asthma. It is especially true for people with severe asthma."
The rankings are as follows:
- Richmond, Virginia
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Detroit, Michigan
- Dayton, Ohio
- McAllen, Texas
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Knoxville, Tennessee
The source notes that Richmond has reached the top spot three times in the past four years, although it ranked 23rd in 2012. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what makes the metro so bad for asthma patients, but the AAFA says that its likely a result of its high pollen count, poverty rate, lack of smoking bans and the large number of emergency room visits due to asthma-related complications.
If you live in one of the cities listed above and suffer from asthma, it's important to do whatever you can to keep your symptoms at a minimum. At Allergy Be Gone, we sell a number of asthma and allergy control products — such as hypoallergenic bedding — that can improve your quality of life.
