The Best Areas to Live With Asthma

Overview

Asthma can be difficult to control, especially if you live in an area that has a plethora of triggers that make your symptoms worse. Every year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, or AAFA, conducts the Asthma Capitals project, which analyzes cities across the United States to determine which have the most risk factors for asthmatics. However, such a list is not a definitive tool to help you decide where to live; other factors are involved as well.

Risk Factors

There are certain risk factors Asthma Capitals evaluates when determining how well a city fares on its list of worst places for asthmatics. The risks are a mix of environmental and social factors. According to the AAFA, Asthma Capitals uses a city's annual pollen and air pollution counts as one factor. Another factor is the amount of medical care access a city provides, as well as the amount of people who are uninsured. Anti-smoking laws are also considered, as cigarette smoke is a common asthma trigger.

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Least Risky Areas

The best areas to live with asthma have decent air quality, strict smoking laws and ample access to asthma treatment. Health Guidance states that asthmatics tend to fare better in warm climates, as cold temperatures aggravates asthma symptoms. Your body is more prone to chest infections in cold climates. The last city ranked on Asthma Capital's 2009 "Most Challenging Places to Live with Asthma" list is Cape Coral, Florida. Other cities within the bottom 10 include Daytona Beach and Palm Bay, both in Florida, and San Francisco, California.

Most Risky Areas

On the flip side, areas that have highly polluted air, less access to health care and minimal smoking laws are among the worst places for asthmatics. Some areas include heavily populated and industrial areas like Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but include other seemingly less likely locations. According to the AAFA, the worst city for asthmatics ranked in 2010 was Richmond, Virginia. In fact, other southern cities were ranked higher due to overall poor air quality and a lack of anti-smoking laws.

Considerations

Although you may be tempted to move to an area that is ranked more suitable for your asthma, the AAFA recommends that you stay put. This is not the best solution, as there are risk factors in every area of the country, including pollen, mold, dust and air pollution. Plus, your triggers differ from those of other asthmatics. Living in an area that is considered good for an asthmatic does not mean that there is an absence of triggers. Also, it does not guarantee that you will not have any asthma flare-ups.

Treatment

The AAFA explains that your best line of defense against asthma is through medical treatment, no matter where you live. Since there is no cure for asthma, a physician can work with you to ensure that you have take preventive measure against asthma attacks and receive the proper types of medications. Aside from prescription drugs, try your best to avoid asthma triggers you are most vulnerable to. For example, if pollen or air pollution causes flare-ups, stay indoors on days in which the counts are particularly high. Keep your home clean and avoid cigarette smoke.