WASHINGTON, May 7, 2013 /PRNewswire There is still no cure for asthma, so for 22 million people in the U.S., this chronic disease continues to be a daily burden no matter where they live. But it’s not just air pollution they should be worried about. Factors such as pollen, secondhand smoke – even high rates of poverty, a large uninsured population or a high number of ER visits – can be critical signs that certain cities and states are worse for families with asthma. It is especially true for people with severe asthma.This is the conclusion of a recent study by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) which just released a new list of the 2013 Asthma Capitals, the most challenging places to live with asthma in the U.S., www.AsthmaCapitals.com. AAFA has been assessing asthma prevalence, environmental risk factors and patient medical utilization in the largest 100 cities for the past decade and publishing its annual rankings. The report is designed to bring attention to the many factors involved in asthma quality of life, and to help patients, doctors and policymakers make informed decisions about prevention, treatment and public policies affecting asthma.