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America''s Asthma ''Hot Spots'' Identified; Ranking of 100 Metro Areas Looks at Both Asthma''s Impact and Local Factors That Can Challenge People Living With the Condition.

Article Excerpt
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -- A new analysis of the nation's 100 largest metro areas has identified 25 asthma "hot spots" where high prevalence makes the condition a key issue and environmental "triggers" and other factors can make living with asthma a particular challenge.

The rankings -- conducted by statistician Bert Sperling, well known for his annual "Best Places" lists -- examined local asthma prevalence and mortality data, as well as other factors such as pollen scores, air pollution, asthma prescriptions, smoking laws and the number of asthma specialists. By combining measures of the scope and impact of asthma, as well as data for asthma "triggers" such as air pollution or tobacco smoke, Sperling was able to rank the cities and identify 25 hot spots.

Tucson, Arizona topped the list as the number one asthma hot spot among the metro areas ranked, with Kansas City, Missouri; Phoenix, Arizona; Fresno, California and New York City, New York rounding out the top five.

"Effective asthma management is vital for asthma patients across the country, no matter where they live," said Dr. Anthony Rooklin, Co-Director, Division of Allergy, Crozer Chester Medical Center in Philadelphia. "But people living in these hot spots should pay attention to local conditions or factors that could aggravate their asthma, and make sure that their asthma is properly controlled to minimize the risk of asthma symptoms and attacks."

The rankings were sponsored by...