Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects about one in 12 Americans. Some suffer from asthma with allergies, weather, pollen, smog, exercise, soot and more. Symptoms and flare ups can occur less often based on your treatment and where you live. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has once again ranked this year’s top 10 cities to live in with asthma.

10. Austin, TX. – Although the capital has a high pollen count (consisting of high numbers of Juniper and Mountain Cedar trees) the air quality is above average. The number of ER visits due to asthma and those diagnosed with asthma are lower than other parts of the country.

9. Raliegh, NC. – The number of ER visits due to asthma is higher than average in Raleigh, but the air quality is great because of the cut in pollution. The ‘City of Oaks’ has lowered the pollution level in power plants, cars and industrial companies throughout the past decade. Ozone levels were at an all time low last year. These levels are known for making symptoms worse for those with asthma. The number of rescue inhaler use is also lower in Raleigh than throughout the country.

8. Sarasota, FL – Florida may have a high rate of smokers, but the death rate from asthma is less than other parts of the country. Other states do have better smoke-free air laws than in Florida.

7. Cape Coral, FL – The number of people with asthma in this city is average, and the number of ER visits because of asthma is low. Many people here also have their asthma in good control because they use their asthma medications less.

6. Palm Bay, FL – This city’s low pollution and pollen count make it a great place for people with asthma to live.

5. Abilene, TX – Abilene (which means ‘grassy plains’) is known as one of the worst cities for allergies. Although allergens such as pollen can cause asthma triggers, the number of people in Abilene is low.

4. San Jose, CA – The poverty rate and number of people without health insurance are both low in this city. According to WebMD, "records show sixteen percent of asthmatic patients use more than 10% of their income on medical treatment.”

3. Seattle, WA – The rain and mild temperature in Seattle make it less common for asthma triggers. Dry, colder weather can cause symptoms including coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. The number of people in this city with asthma is average compared to the rest of the country, but fewer people use daily inhalers, and there are fewer visits to the ER for asthma.

2. Boise, ID – Pollen counts and pollution levels are lower here than other cities in the country. With a large number of doctors in Boise, people can get the treatment and medication that they need to control their asthma.

1. San Francisco – This year is the third year in a row that San Francisco has topped the list of cities to live in with asthma. This city has good air quality, a low poverty rate and uninsured number of people, and good smoke-free laws. While San Francisco has a lower number of asthma specialists than other cities in the country, fewer people are on asthma medications.

If you suffer from asthma or think you may have asthma symptoms, contact your physician. With proper treatment and an action plan, you can live a normal, symptom free life. You do not have to suffer from asthma!