Asthma is an inflammatory lung condition that affects millions of children and adults. Asthma may cause symptoms of chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, mucus production, and shortness of breath. There are several medications that can be used in order to manage asthma. However, your lifestyle is a major contributing factor that can worsen or help alleviate the symptoms. For instance, the city you live in may have negative (i.e., high pollution) or positive effects (i.e., clean air) on your condition. The following is a list of U.S. cities that are difficult to live in for asthma patients: 1. Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia is a city that is full of history. However, it is also one of the worst cities that you can live in if you suffer from asthma. Poor air quality is one of the reasons that asthma sufferers tend to have it worse here. Many of the bars and restaurants allow people to smoke inside. Additionally, a large percentage of the population is uninsured. People who are uninsured are less likely to get the treatment that they need. It is common for people who have asthma to be referred to a specialist, which many people cannot afford without insurance. 2.

Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a condition that affects the nervous system by disrupting the brain’s ability to control emotions. It is often characterized by sudden pathological crying or laughing due to emotional dysregulation. With this condition, you lose voluntary emotions and response control. Pseudobulbar affect is often mistaken for psychological conditions like bipolar disorder and depression that are also linked to emotional incontinence. 1. Causes of PBA Medical statistics show that two to seven million people in the U.S are living with pseudobulbar, although the severity differs. Symptoms of pseudobulbar affect may also be caused by neurological disorders such as: Epilepsy Alzheimer’s disease Parkinson’s disease Multiple sclerosis Brain tumor, and Traumatic brain injury Scientists believe pseudobulbar occurs due to dysfunctional neurotransmitters like glutamate and serotonin. PBA also has symptoms similar to those of dementia or memory loss, psychological problems often caused by brain injury/damage. 2. Common symptoms of pseudobulbar affect The symptoms of PBA affect the emotions and are characterized by the following symptoms: Facial expressions that don’t match emotions: Pseudobulbar affect may cause you to smile when you should be sad/angry or express shock in a simple situation that doesn’t require such a reaction. Sudden uncontrolled fits of crying or laughter: