Over 20 million people in our country are estimated to have asthma or some kind of allergy. While several factors contribute to developing this condition, asthma is generally a result of unfavorable environmental conditions. The respiratory illness can be managed with treatment and lifestyle changes, but a polluted environment increases the risk of aggravating the symptoms. Here are a few cities people with asthma and allergies should steer clear of in our country.

Cleveland, Ohio
This is one of the cities with the poorest air quality in the country. It has been estimated that Cleveland is among the top 10 cities that use “rescue drugs” or quick-relief asthma medicines that help relax and open the airways to improve breathing during asthma attacks. The city also has one of the highest number of ER visits due to asthma.

Louisville, Kentucky
The city is also called the Bluegrass state as it experiences an abundance of Bluegrass growth that is used to feed thoroughbred horses. However, the same gives off more pollen than any type of grass, making the city unsuitable for people with allergies. Louisville also has high humidity, which increases the risk of allergies. Other than this, Louisville is among the country’s smoggiest cities, which makes it difficult for people with asthma to remain outdoors for a longer period.

Boston, Massachusetts
Like Louisville, Boston witnesses one of the largest seasonal pollen counts, making it one of the worst cities in the country for people with allergic asthma. It also reports one of the highest rates of pediatric asthma cases. The city undertakes huge healthcare costs regarding children’s asthma-related hospitalization and emergency department visits. So, health experts recommend keeping an eye on vegetation and staying indoors during the spikes in the pollen count.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This is yet another unlivable city that witnesses high rates of asthma attacks. It is also believed that Philadelphia has lesser healthcare facilities, which plays a major role in managing asthma. Besides, high air particle pollution causes the city to witness high ER visits due to asthma and allergies.

Greensboro, North Carolina
Like Cleveland, Greensboro is another city that uses both quick relief and long-term medications for asthma. It also witnesses a high number of ER visits instead of the doctor’s office due to a lack of health insurance. It is highly recommended to opt for health insurance, as asthma treatment can be expensive. Also, failing to treat the condition in the initial stages can lead to severe symptoms and complications.

Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield is among the cities with the highest carbon dioxide levels and pollen count in the country. This results in a high number of asthma cases and allergies. The prevalence of asthma in the people living in Springfield is the highest in the country, which is why the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) ranked the city as the most challenging place to live in with asthma.