Approximately 28 million people in the United States, or 1 in 12 people, have asthma, and depending on where you live, symptoms can be more difficult to manage.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recently released its “Asthma Capitals” report, ranking the 100 most populous U.S. states based on how challenging they are for people with chronic respiratory diseases.
“This is not a report on ‘bad’ cities for asthma, but rather a report that shows the factors that make life with asthma more difficult,” Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of Virginia AAFA, told Fox News Digital in an email.
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The report designates “asthma capitals” based on the prevalence of the disease, the number of asthma-related emergency room visits and the number of asthma-related deaths.
Approximately 28 million people in the United States suffer from asthma, which is about 1 in 12 people. (iStock)
“Cities that rank highly in the report tend to score above average in at least two categories,” Mendes noted.
“High rates of hospitalization and mortality due to asthma reflect the poor quality of life for asthma patients in these cities.”
The report also acknowledges that where people live can have a big impact on their health, Mendes said.
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“Social, economic and environmental disadvantage are key drivers of asthma outcomes,” he noted.
“Many cities with high asthma rates also face significant challenges and inequities that lead to health disparities.”
Asthma patients should have a plan of action that includes medications, how to recognize when symptoms are worsening, and steps to take in case of an emergency. (iStock)
The report also takes into account asthma risk factors such as air quality, poverty, access to specialist care, smoking policies, medication use and lack of health insurance.
“We see this report as a way to shed light on the factors that influence asthma,” Mendes added.
Top 20 “Asthma Capitals”
AAFA has identified the following 20 cities as “asthma capitals.”
1. Wichita, Kansas
2. Virginia Beach, Virginia
3. Greenville, South Carolina
4. Dallas, Texas
5. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
6. Tulsa, Oklahoma
7. Richmond, Virginia
8. Des Moines, Iowa
9. Raleigh, North Carolina
10. Fayetteville, Arkansas
11. Allentown, Pennsylvania
12. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
13. Sarasota, Florida
14. Houston, Texas
15. Columbia, South Carolina
16. Orlando, Florida
17. Little Rock, Arkansas
18. Chattanooga, Tennessee
19. Greensboro, North Carolina
20. Kansas City, Missouri
Wichita, Kansas, topped the list of major U.S. cities with the most severe asthma symptoms. (iStock)
The complete list of the top 100 asthma capitals is published in the report and can be accessed on the AAFA website.
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For asthma patients who live in more challenging areas, AAFA recommends taking the following steps to make symptoms more tolerable:
1. Follow your asthma plan
To help control asthma, this plan should include information about medications, how to recognize worsening symptoms, and steps to take in an emergency.
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2. Get the recommended vaccinations
Mendez noted that vaccinations for respiratory infections such as influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumonia may help manage asthma symptoms.
3. Take steps to control allergies and indoor air quality
“We spend 90 percent of our time indoors, so it’s important that we take steps to improve our indoor air quality,” Mendez told Fox News Digital.
“Patients should work with their healthcare team to determine the best plan for them,” the expert said. (iStock)
“This includes using certified asthma- and allergy-friendly air purifiers and making sure cleaning products reduce allergens and are free of airway irritants.”
4. Follow infection prevention protocols
Mendez said this could include wearing a mask in crowded places, washing your hands properly and avoiding contact with sick people.
“Since we spend 90 percent of our time indoors, it’s important that we take steps to improve our indoor air quality.”
5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
According to the AAFA, getting optimal rest, drinking plenty of water, and eating healthy foods can help reduce asthma symptoms.
6. Maintain contact with your asthma specialist
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“There are treatment options available that can help prevent the risk of asthma attacks, making it possible to live with this chronic lung disease,” Mendez said.
“Patients should talk with their health care team to determine the best plan for them.”
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor for Fox News Digital and a member of the lifestyle team. Send your story tips to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
