4 New England cities among the worst for asthmatics

A study by the American Foundation for Asthma and Allergy has identified four cities in New England as one of the 20 most difficult places to live with asthma in the United States.

Springfield, Mass., Is in first place in 2019. Boston is eighth. In Connecticut, New Haven is 11th and Hartford 13th.

The study looked at 100 US cities and ranked them according to several criteria: prevalence of asthma, emergency room visits due to asthma attacks and asthma-related deaths. Researchers also examined risk factors related to poverty, air quality, access to doctors, pollen, drugs, tobacco and insurance for residents.

Pollen, in particular, has affected most people in Springfield. The city also had the highest number of emergency room visits related to asthma and a high rate of asthma overall.

The foundation encourages people to see a doctor and learn about the factors that can trigger an asthma attack. It also highlights the need for the community to work with leaders to create healthier environments to reduce asthma rates.