Will living in New York City make my asthma worse?

Dear Reader, 

It makes sense that you're wondering how a move to New York City (NYC) could affect your asthma, especially when you're making such an exciting decision about where to spend your college years. The good news is that having asthma doesn't automatically mean living in NYC will make your symptoms worse. While city life can trigger asthma, such as changes in air quality, cold winter weather, and indoor allergens, many students with asthma live in NYC without their asthma becoming harder to manage. Understanding what your asthma triggers and how to prepare for them may help you feel more confident about pursuing your educational dream! 

Could living in NYC make your asthma worse? 

The short answer is that it depends on your individual asthma triggers. 

Although cities are often thought of as having poor air quality, New York City's air has improved in recent years. Also, air quality isn't the same every day. Traffic, weather conditions, and occasional events like wildfire smoke can temporarily increase air pollution. During these periods, people with asthma may notice more coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. These pollution spikes are generally temporary rather than constant conditions. 

Traffic and building emissions remain important sources of pollution that may affect people with asthma. These include carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter.  

Air quality also isn't the same throughout the city. Some neighborhoods experience more traffic-related pollution or building emissions than others. This doesn't mean that one neighborhood is "safe" and another isn't. It does highlight that asthma risk isn't simply about living in NYC. Instead, it depends on what you are exposed to day to day and how your body responds. 

Why does winter seem to be harder for asthma? 

During the colder months, the old, dry air can irritate your lungs and trigger asthma symptoms. People may also spend more time indoors. However, being indoors can increase exposure to triggers like dust, mold, pests, and secondhand smoke. In NYC, heating systems used during colder months can also contribute to certain air pollutants, especially in areas where building emissions are higher. 

While some people with asthma find winter more difficult, this isn’t the case for everyone. Knowing your own triggers can be much more helpful than assuming the season alone will determine how you feel. 

What should you care about when it comes to choosing housing? 

As a student, your living environment may be one of the most important factors you can control. 

If you're deciding between a residence hall (or a dorm) and an apartment, it may help to think about more than just location and price. Since you'll likely spend a lot of time where you live, paying attention to your indoor environment can make a difference for your asthma. When looking at housing, you may want to examine: 

• The building’s smoking policies 
• Ventilation, including air conditioning, windows, or exhaust vents 
• Gas or electric kitchen appliances 
• Carpeting, which can let allergens build up 
• Any evidence of water damage, mold, or pests 

Depending on your specific triggers, there are also steps you can take to make your space more comfortable. Some people with asthma find that using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or allergen-proof bedding helps reduce exposure to indoor allergens such as dust mites and other particles. 

What does your summer visit to NYC tell you about your allergies? 

The fact that you spent a week in NYC without experiencing asthma symptoms is encouraging. While a short trip can't predict exactly how you'll respond after living in the city through different seasons, it may suggest that typical summer conditions in NYC weren't a major trigger for you. 

If you decide to attend school in NYC, preparing ahead of time may help you feel more confident managing your asthma. 

Some strategies that may help include: 

• Having an up-to-date asthma action plan. 
• Keeping your rescue inhaler and any daily medications readily available. 
• Checking local air quality forecasts during days with higher pollution or wildfire smoke. 
• Paying attention to housing conditions, including mold, pests, and ventilation. 
• Establishing care with a local health care provider or your campus health service soon after you arrive. 

The goal isn't to avoid every possible trigger. It's to have a plan so that changes in your environment don't catch you by surprise. 

What do you know about your asthma triggers that may help you make this decision?  

As you're making your decision, you might ask yourself a few questions:  

• What usually triggers your asthma?  
• How well controlled are your symptoms now?  
• What kind of living environment helps you breathe your best?  

Thinking through these questions and talking with a health care provider who knows your asthma history may help you feel more prepared for the transition. 

While asthma may be one factor to consider as you make your college decision, it doesn’t have to be the deciding factor. With thoughtful planning, support, and good asthma management, you may be able to enjoy all that studying in NYC has to offer! 

Breathing easy,