If you suffer from conditions such as asthma and allergies, avoiding triggers is key to managing your condition . But breathing issues can sometimes be triggered no matter how hard one tries. Have you ever wondered whether the place you live in could be a trigger for breathing difficulties? Listed below are a few cities in the country where it can be quite difficult to live in if you have asthma or seasonal allergies.

1. Scranton, Pennsylvania
This city with a rich history of railway and mining is at the top of most lists for the worst cities for those with asthma and allergies. This is because of the abundance of birch trees that are found here. They thrive so well in this eastern city of Pennsylvania because of the many coal banks. With an excess of tree and grass pollen in the air, allergic reactions here seem to be more intense. Hence, if you suffer from asthma and allergies, avoiding a visit here during the spring might be a good idea.

2. McAllen, Texas
This city located in the south of Texas on the Rio Grande gets a blast of dry cold winds that carry cedar pollen down from the mountains. This is one of the worst allergens in central Texas. Also, the weather here is extremely dry with annual rainfall being about 22 inches. Dry weather and high pollen count can be a trigger or worsen the symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies.

3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
This beautiful city with its many bridges and pollen-producing trees including elm, box elders and Eastern red cedars can be a difficult place to live in for those with asthma and allergies. In addition to this green pollen-producing cover, the city has a high amount of particulate matter in the air. This is the exhaust and fumes released from the vehicular traffic and the factories located here.

4. Jackson, Mississippi
This is another city commonly listed among those that are the worst for asthma and allergies. This could be due to the levels of humidity here that creates the perfect environment for allergens to thrive and reproduce.

5. Phoenix, Arizona
A lot of ragweed, a type of plant that gives off pollen throughout the year. This can make this place quite unsuitable and difficult to live in if you have breathing difficulties.

If you are visiting any of the above places then avoiding them during spring or when pollen levels are high might be a good idea. If you live in any of the abovementioned cities then checking pollen levels before you step outdoors could help you manage your condition better. Consult your doctor for finding ways to keep yourself protected from irritants and allergens.