Air pollution and poor infrastructure in major metropolitan cities have become one of the leading triggers for chronic respiratory illnesses. Hospitals in these locations have witnessed a steady increase in the number of admissions trigged mainly by seasonal allergies and asthma cases. Also, environmental factors play a critical role in some places. Based on recent survey and statistics, these four cities have the maximum number respiratory problems.

1. Allentown, Pennsylvania
Allentown has an average population of approximately 120,000 and tops our list of cities with the maximum number of asthma and allergies cases. Studies indicate that the residents of this city are also exposed to severe allergens that trigger other respiratory illnesses. The main reason behind this problem is that this metropolitan region is boxed in with hills on either side of the valley. With no wind, most allergens in the atmosphere settle in and around the city. And on windy days, the pollen content is significantly high creating more breathing problems for the city dwellers.

2. Baltimore, Maryland
Statistics for the city of Baltimore in Maryland clearly imply the severity of the situation. Most residents are plagued with the challenging and burdening issue of asthma with nearly 12.4% of adults affected in the metropolitan area. Approximately 20% of children under the age of 18 are affected with chronic asthma problems. Both these numbers are higher than the state and national average statistics. In this city, asthma is the number one medical problem that accounts for a majority share of lost productivity due to missed work and school days.

3. Richmond, Virginia
Richmond ranks at the number three position in our top four worst cities for asthma and allergies. In fact, the state of Virginia bears a major brunt of the national average for number of asthma cases. Many suggest that the high rate of poverty leads to poor overall health outlook thus increasing the risk of chronic respiratory diseases. Poor air quality coupled with substandard real estate exposes most of the general population to most allergens in the atmosphere. The city of Richmond also accounts for the highest number of emergency room visits and deaths due to respiratory illnesses.

4. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Major cities in the country that have the most cases of asthma and allergies, and poor air quality attributes to this issue the most. However, Milwaukee is showing an increasing trend in number of hospital admissions and deaths triggered by respiratory illnesses due to an increase in pollen allergens. Tree pollen count has shown a steady increase in the last five to seven years, making it difficult for residents to step outdoors. The problem is worse right after the cold winter months. most parts of North, South, and East Milwaukee have showed an increasing trend of allergens and pollutants that cause respiratory disorders.