As the air pollution levels in the country continue to rise, more and more people are struggling with respiratory illnesses like asthma. Asthma is one of the most common resulting ailments, leading to many medical emergencies. This article will discuss the causes of uncontrolled asthma and 5 cities in the country with an unusually high spike in asthmatic emergencies and what’s causing such alarming statistics. Read on to learn more.

What is uncontrolled asthma?
Uncontrolled asthma is a health condition in which people experience constant and recurrent episodes of tightness in their chest, difficulty breathing, and coughing. While the exact cause is unknown, it can be triggered by irritants such as dust mites, pet hair, fumes, and air pollutants. It can also be caused by health conditions such as allergies, sinus infections, or acid reflux.

Asthma attacks are generally more frequent at night due to cold temperatures and low humidity levels in the bedroom. Managing uncontrolled asthma requires adopting preventative measures such as avoiding triggers, keeping pets out of the bedroom, and taking long-term prescriptions. With careful monitoring and proper treatment, those with this health condition can live normal lives without symptoms.

Causes

Genetics
Uncontrolled asthma can be caused due to certain genetic factors. Inherited genes may affect the immune system, making it more reactive to environmental triggers such as pollen, dust mites, or other irritants.

Environmental triggers
Certain environmental triggers, such as air pollution, dust, or pet dander, can exacerbate asthma symptoms and make it more difficult to control.

Chronic inflammation
Uncontrolled asthma may be caused by chronic inflammation in the airways, which can make breathing difficult and cause other symptoms such as wheezing and coughing.

Underlying medical conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or obstructive sleep apnea, can contribute to uncontrolled asthma.

Psychological factors
Stress, anxiety, and depression can also contribute to uncontrolled asthma, as these conditions can affect the body’s response to environmental triggers and exacerbate asthma symptoms.

5 cities with the most asthmatic emergencies

Detroit
Detroit, Michigan, has recently been labeled as the asthma capital of the country due to its large health disparity. Children living in Detroit are twice as likely to suffer from asthma than those living in areas with better health outcomes. This is primarily attributed to the disproportionately high levels of air pollution caused by pollutants such as vehicle exhaust and industrial components. Along with this, there is a lack of health resources for those suffering from asthma and recurring exposure to environmental triggers like mold, fungi, and dust mites.

These health-related issues are further exacerbated by pollution from cars, construction sites, rising heat levels, and industrial zones within the city limits. The health risks of Detroit’s hazardous air quality put many at risk of serious health complications, including asthma attacks and pulmonary diseases. Measures must be taken to reduce air pollution for the citizens of Detroit to breathe healthily again.

Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio, has some of the country’s highest asthma hospitalization and emergency department utilization rates. Air pollution is also a major cause of health complications in Cleveland and surrounding areas due to its heavy industries. These complications involve difficulty breathing, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing.

Although health education and improvements have been made in recent years, Cleveland needs further help to reduce the health risks brought about by its unique location and air quality.

Allentown
Allentown, Pennsylvania, has been identified as an asthmatic city due to a combination of factors. One major factor is air pollution. Allentown is located in a valley that traps pollutants, and industrial activity and traffic emissions also contribute to poor air quality. This pollution can irritate the lungs and trigger asthma symptoms in those susceptible.

In addition to air pollution, several environmental factors in the area can trigger asthma. For example, pollen, mold, and dust mites are common allergens that can exacerbate asthma symptoms, causing health complications.

People there live in areas with poor air quality or exposure to environmental triggers leading to increasing cases of asthma-related emergencies. Lack of access to healthcare or preventative resources like air filters can make managing asthma more difficult for some residents.

Lakeland
Lakeland is located in Florida, which has a warm and humid climate that can create conditions for mold growth. Mold is a common allergen that can trigger asthma symptoms. Additionally, Florida has a high prevalence of pollen-producing plants, which can also trigger asthma.

Another factor that may contribute to asthma in Lakeland is air pollution. The city has several industries and transportation hubs, producing pollution that can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Air pollution can also be carried from and to different areas, depending on weather patterns.

Charleston
Asthma-related health issues have risen substantially in Charleston, South Carolina, over the past few years. The city’s unfavorable health conditions can be attributed to high pollution levels from its large port. Consequently, locals often experience irritated lungs and other health issues due to smog and chemical emissions, making it difficult to take a deep breath.

The wide main roads and infrastructure are considered a factor that contributes to these health hazards due to them trapping polluting particles and reducing ventilation flow. However, if worn-out or improperly maintained cars drive in congested areas and release diesel fumes, this compounding effect can worsen the atmosphere and health risks.

Certain cities in the country face high asthma rates due to its environmental conditions and lifestyle. However, the government is constantly working on developing strategies to reduce the amount of air pollution in these cities and improve the healthcare sector in these cities for better healthcare amenities for people living in these cities. Cleaner air means fewer asthmatic emergencies for residents in these densely populated areas. Moreover, people must take precautionary measures to prevent and reduce asthma flare ups. This will help decrease asthmatic emergency rates nationwide.