10 Worst U.S. Cities for Asthma

Asthma is a serious illness that makes it difficult to breathe. It can attack anyone at any time (Let’s Talk About…Asthma). If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to experience an asthma attack, take a straw. Close your mouth around it and pinch your nose. Now try taking deep breaths in – and out – through the straw. That may give you a tiny idea of what it’s like.

Some places around the world and here in North America are worse than others for people with asthma. Smog and pollution is a number one enemy to an asthmatic. But where is it worse in the United States?

The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America compiles an annual list of the top 10 worst cities for asthma, called Allergy Capitals. For 2009, they are:

1.   St. Louis, MO
2.   Milwaukee, WI
3.   Birmingham, AL
4.   Chattanooga, TN
5.   Charlotte, NC
6.   Memphis, TN
7.   Knoxville, TN
8.   McAllen, TX
9.   Atlanta, GA
10. Little Rock, AR

There are some changes from 2008, when St. Louis was at number nine. This year, it’s leading the pack. According to the Asthma Capital site,

Up from number nine in 2008, St. Louis has been ranked as the No. 1 Asthma Capital due to a number of factors including a higher than average pollen score, continued poor air quality, a lack of “100% smoke-free” laws and others.

Is your city here?

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