Asthma and allergy symptoms are particularly apparent at this time of year when pollen is at a yearly high and when the trees are coming into full bloom.  Some other asthma triggers, as outlined by the EPA include:  Indoor and outdoor environmental factors like: dust mites, molds, cockroaches, pet dander, and secondhand smoke.  The EPA says, though, that asthma can be controlled “with a plan that includes medicine and control of environmental triggers” and that “people with asthma can lead healthy, active lives.”  Indoor air quality can be greatly improved by removing environmental triggers with proper ventilation in the kitchen and in the bathroom, and also by using a whole house HEPA air purifier.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American, the top 5 Spring Allergy Capitals in the US are:

1. Louisville, KY
2. Knoxville, TN
3. Charlotte, NC
4. Madison, WI
5. Wichita, KS

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America calculates the top 100 Spring Allergy Capitals each year by taking into account:  pollen scores (airborne grass/tree/weed pollen and mold spores), number of allergy medications used per patient, and number of allergy specialists per patient.  

The top 5 Asthma Capitals in the US for 2009 are:

1.   St. Louis, MO
2.   Milwaukee, WI
3.   Birmingham, AL
4.   Chattanooga, TN
5.   Charlotte, NC

These are calculated each year by taking into account:  prevalence factors – morbidity and mortality statistics, risk factors – air quality, pollen, "100% smoke-free" laws, poverty and more, and medical factors – medication usage and access to specialists.

Outdoor air quality and its negative effects on human health have been studied extensively, but indoor air quality has not been given as much attention until recently. The U.S. EPA has, in fact, recently recognized the need for further research on the health effects of coarse particulate matter indoors because the potential damage to health is so significant.

Children in the Johns Hopkins study were evaluated at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.  The level of particulate matter (both coarse and fine) in the home had a direct impact on the children’s asthma symptoms, including:  wheezing with chest tightness symptoms severe enough to slow a child’s activity, wheezing leading to limited speaking ability, and the need for medication and/or hospitalization.  This study reinforces similar findings from studies in California and Washington.  

Hopefully, this body of research will continue to grow so parents of children with asthma are able to take effective steps to mitigate asthma symptoms. Those in urban areas face the extra burden of outdoor air (containing traffic-related particulate matter) negatively impacting indoor air quality; but, some steps can be taken to improve indoor air quality, including eliminating tobacco smoke from the home or building, using proper ventilation, and air purification systems.