Home | health | Uncontrolled Asthma – Causes, And Worst Cities To Live In

Uncontrolled Asthma – Causes, and Worst Cities to Live In

Uncontrolled Asthma – Causes, and Worst Cities to Live In

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes swelling and inflammation of the airways. It is estimated that more than 339 million people worldwide suffer from this disease. It affects people of all age groups, and genders. However, it is more common in adult women than in men. Asthma has no specific underlying cause, but various allergens like pollen, dust, mold and even perfume can trigger asthma. Read on to learn more about the condition.

What is uncontrolled asthma?
Uncontrolled asthma is when affected individuals have persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life, even when they are on regular medication. It is estimated that over 60% of adults who are asthmatic suffer from uncontrolled asthma.

Causes of uncontrolled asthma
Stress
People may experience asthma attacks due to excessive stress and strong unpleasant emotions like unhappiness or crying. One must try to reduce one’s anxiety and stress.

Underlying health condition
Some respiratory health conditions like sleep apnea that block the upper airway while sleeping can lead to an asthma flare-up. Environmental allergies could also worsen asthma attacks.

Weather change
Moving from drier to humid air or warmer to colder air might cause asthma attacks. This condition can be brought on by minor weather changes or leaving a controlled environment.

Looking at the global statistics, the prevalence of asthma is observed more in the country. The below-mentioned cities were ranked based on parameters like asthma prevalence, asthma-related emergency room visits, and asthma-related deaths. Here are the top five cities in the country with the highest number of asthma cases:

Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the largest city in Michigan and is the center of the automobile industry in the country. The metropolitan area is densely populated with 4.3 million people. The atmosphere of Detroit has high levels of pollen and particulate matter from the industrial facilities and power plants that run on coal. All these factors contribute to poor air quality index. This adverse environmental condition increases the chances of developing or triggering asthma among inhabitants. It has the third-highest asthma cases in the country and is in eighth position in case of asthma-related fatalities. Detroit is among the top 25 cities with more emergency room visits due to asthma-related issues. According to the latest reports of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the prevalence of asthma among adults in Detroit is 46% higher than all the reported cases in the whole of Michigan. In the case of children, this was over 50%. H owever, persistent asthma and hospitalization rates are lower in the southwestern parts of Detroit.

Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is a major city in the Great Lakes region and is situated on the banks of Lake Erie. The city’s metropolitan area is home to over 2 million people. Cleveland is a key industrial and commercial hub. The city used to have a moderate air quality index, but lately, the atmosphere has gotten more polluted with hazardous pollutants like particulate matter and ozone. This is extremely dangerous, especially for children, pregnant women, the aged, and people with chronic diseases like asthma and cardiovascular disorders. The lethal air pollutants can also cause reproductive and developmental problems leading to premature deaths. In addition, there is a high chance for residents to develop skin and lung cancer due to elevated levels of ozone pollution. The city has high asthma-related deaths and ranks top in reported asthma cases.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is ranked seventh on the list of the most challenging cities to live in with asthma. Over 56 million people live within 250 miles of this city. The atmosphere is highly contaminated with pollutants like ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. All these contribute to poor respiratory health, frequent incidences of asthma, and asthma-related fatalities. The extreme north and the west regions of Philadelphia report the maximum cases of asthma in the city. It is estimated that 21% of the children living in this area suffer from asthma, and the shocking fact is that this rate is more than double the national average.

Fresno, California
Fresno is a large city in California’s San Joaquin Valley. The metro area houses over 1 million people. The areas surrounding this region are dedicated to agricultural practice. The city is surrounded by mountain ranges. This particular geography of the city lets the warm air trap emissions from over 3.5 million residents in the Central Valley, and this pools in Fresno. Due to this, the place ranks high among the cities with the worst air quality in the country. Around 19% of the residents in Fresno County have been diagnosed with asthma, and over 50% of these people need regular treatment to control their symptoms. Even though the respiratory condition increases yearly among adults, the rate remains steady among children. The asthma cases here usually surge during the winter.

Poughkeepsie, New York
Poughkeepsie is a city on the Hudson River in New York. The city has cold winters and relatively hot summers. It ranks eighth in the country among all the cities with the highest asthma prevalence. Poughkeepsie has high levels of pollen in the air during springtime. The city has a moderate air quality index which usually poses no severe threat. Still, it can be detrimental for people with chronic diseases like asthma and those with hypersensitivity to pollutants. Emergency department visits for asthma cases are more common among children than adults residing there.

Conclusion
Asthma is a serious health problem that can cause death if not strictly controlled. Most of these fatalities can be avoided with proper treatment. Asthma usually occurs when the immune system overreacts to a foreign particle in the lungs. It has no cure, but the symptoms can be managed with different categories of therapies. With a proper treatment plan, the affected individuals can lead a better quality of life. Asthma patients should always avoid the triggers that cause their symptoms to flare up. Common asthma allergens include pollen, mold, pet dander, perfumes, dust, chemical fumes, and food items.

Read Also

Know more about exciting & latest articles right here

12 surprising facts about COPD to know

12 surprising facts about COPD to know

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, also known as COPD, is a well-recognized respiratory ailment that affects millions of lives worldwide. COPD, characterized by symptoms like chronic cough, shortness of breath, and reduced lung function, is a complex condition with multiple layers. While its core features are understood by many, an array of surprising and often overlooked facets surrounds this condition. This article delves into these lesser-known aspects of COPD to comprehensively understand the disease. Underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed cases One of the most surprising facts about COPD is the prevalence of underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 90% of COPD cases are estimated to remain undiagnosed. This is partly because early symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath, are often attributed to the natural aging process or other respiratory conditions. Additionally, many individuals with COPD do not seek attention until the disease has progressed significantly. Impact on mental health COPD not only affects physical health but also takes a toll on mental well-being. Surprisingly, individuals with COPD are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. The disease’s chronic nature and its impact on daily activities and social interactions may lead to isolation and sadness.
Read More
7 lesser-known signs of multiple myeloma

7 lesser-known signs of multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that primarily affects the plasma cells found in the bone marrow. Plasma cells typically produce antibodies to help the body fight infections. However, in multiple myeloma, certain plasma cells become cancerous and start to multiply uncontrollably, crowding out healthy blood-forming cells in the bone marrow. These cancerous plasma cells can produce abnormal proteins, which can accumulate in the blood and urine, leading to various health problems. Here are the lesser-known signs of multiple myeloma: Recurrent infections Multiple myeloma weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. However, this sign is often overlooked or attributed to other causes. Recurring or persistent infections, such as respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, or skin infections, can be an early indication of an underlying immune system dysfunction caused by multiple myeloma. The connection between multiple myeloma and infections lies in the disease’s impact on plasma cells’ production of antibodies. As the cancerous plasma cells multiply in the bone marrow, they crowd out healthy cells responsible for producing antibodies, impairing the body’s ability to fight infections effectively. Recognizing the link between recurring infections and multiple myeloma can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, which may improve the patient’s overall prognosis.
Read More
9 tips for changing the oil and filter on Dodge vehicles

9 tips for changing the oil and filter on Dodge vehicles

Dodge is a famous automobile manufacturer with an excellent lineup of trucks and SUVs. While its vehicles are known for performance and durability, they must be maintained well. A fundamental aspect of car upkeep is changing the oil and filters regularly. Whether one owns a robust Dodge truck or a versatile SUV, understanding the nuances of oil and filter changes can help the automobile run smoothly and extend its lifespan. The function of oil and filters in a vehicle Engine oil is a lubricating fluid that circulates throughout the engine to reduce friction between moving parts, dissipate heat, and protect against wear and tear. The oil filter is responsible for removing impurities and contaminants from the engine oil. The filter is replaced during routine oil changes to maintain its filtration capabilities. Tips for changing oil and filters in vehicles Oil and filters play crucial roles in the vehicle’s engine, ensuring it operates efficiently and remains in good condition. If one follows these tips, it will not only ensure engine longevity but also contribute to better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions: Use the right tools and materials Before starting, it’s important to gather all the right tools. One will need an oil filter wrench to remove the old filter, a container to catch the old oil (like an oil drain pan), a set of sockets or wrenches, a funnel to pour in new oil, a new oil filter, and the right type and sufficient amount of oil.
Read More
25 signs and symptoms of pneumonia to know of

25 signs and symptoms of pneumonia to know of

Pneumonia is a common respiratory infection that can affect people of all ages, causing various symptoms that vary in severity. At the same time, many are familiar with the hallmark signs such as fever and cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and numerous other indicators that can point to pneumonia. This comprehensive article thoroughly explores pneumonia’s signs and symptoms, helping individuals recognize the condition early and seek appropriate medical care. Fever Fever is one of the most prevalent symptoms of pneumonia. It typically presents with a high body temperature, often exceeding 100.4°F (38°C). Fever is the body’s natural response to infection and signifies that the immune system is actively fighting the pneumonia-causing pathogens. Cough A persistent cough is another hallmark symptom. It can produce different types of mucus, including yellow, green, or bloody. The cough may be accompanied by chest pain or discomfort ranging from mild to severe. Shortness of breath Many individuals with pneumonia experience shortness of breath, particularly when engaging in physical activities. This symptom occurs due to the inflammation and infection within the lungs, making it challenging for the respiratory system to function optimally. Chest pain Chest pain is often described as a sharp or stabbing sensation typically felt on the side of the affected lung.
Read More