Asthma and City Living: Is There a Link?

City living certainly did not cause my asthma, but it did worsen my condition. I lived in a high traffic industrial area and the air quality was less than desirable for someone with breathing issues. I don't know what triggered my asthma the first time, but I do know that city living caused it to worsen.

Asthma is Linked to City Living Because of Pollution

According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute more than 22 million people in the United States have asthma. The institute states that the exact cause of asthma is not known. Researchers believe that asthma can be inherited or that it can be triggered by environmental issues.

City living is partially responsible for being an asthma trigger because of high pollution . City streets are filled with many more vehicles than country roads. Exhaust from the cars, busses and taxis are trapped between buildings. Some city dwellers live in apartments that are right on the streets. Open windows allow the fumes to seep in and the person is constantly breathing in the pollutants that vehicles emit.

According to the National Resources Defense Counsel, ground level ozone is produced when vehicle exhaust mixes with sunlight and oxygen. This smog will trigger an asthma attack in those who have asthma. The NRDC also states that this type of air pollution will cause asthma to develop in children. Children can also experience bronchitis and ear infections from air pollution.

Cities that have oil refineries can have air pollution that contains an amount of Sulfur Dioxide . This is also an asthma trigger. According to NRDC over 80 million people live in areas that do not meet the standards for air quality.

Cities Populated with High Industries May Trigger Asthma Attacks

I was diagnosed with asthma before I moved to the city. My asthma was controlled and I hardly had any attacks. I moved to a high industry area. There was a steel manufacturing plant within a few blocks. The fire from the stacks of a nearby oil refinery lit up the night sky. Particles of black soot covered cars in my neighborhood.

My wheezing increased and so did the use of the prescribed inhaler. I was always tired from wheezing and trying to breathe. After several months, I moved back to the country, away from all of the refineries, plants and constant traffic. My asthma calmed down and the attacks lessened.

The best thing to do if you live in the city and have asthma is to monitor the air pollution. Avoid being out during hot afternoons. The hot afternoon sun mixed with the pollutants from cars and refineries causes the highest pollution levels. Check to see if your local newspaper or news station reports on the Air Quality Index.

Sources:

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute

Natural Resources Defense Council

Family Doctor.org