Allentown Ranks as Top U.S. Asthma Capital for 2026

The city tops the national list as residents navigate higher rates of asthma-related emergency department visits.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Asthma

A hazy, overcast view of a brick neighborhood street in Allentown with an out-of-focus overpass in the background. — Allentown has been named the top U.S. asthma capital for 2026, driven by high rates of respiratory illness and emergency department visits. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Allentown holds the top spot as the number one asthma capital in the United States for 2026, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The ranking reflects significant challenges with respiratory health for the city's residents.

Why it matters

The ranking highlights a critical intersection of environmental exposure and health outcomes for the local community. Factors such as localized air pollution and aging housing stock impact how residents manage asthma symptoms and access care.

A national metropolitan analysis of 100 areas by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America identified Allentown as the top-ranked asthma capital for 2026, based on metrics including emergency department visit rates. The city concurrently placed ninth for asthma prevalence.

The players

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

A national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the care and quality of life for people living with asthma and allergic diseases.

The details

The rankings are derived from data on asthma prevalence and the frequency of emergency department visits. Environmental drivers for Allentown include particulate matter associated with high-volume traffic on Interstate 78 and Route 22, alongside industrial activity in the vicinity. Indoor air quality within older homes also serves as a significant contributor to the city's overall asthma burden.

Allentown ranked as the number one asthma capital in 2026.

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Health Landscape

This ranking is part of the ongoing Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's asthma capitals report, which tracks respiratory health across U.S. cities. It serves as a benchmark for local public health authorities to target interventions for vulnerable populations.

Residents should monitor local air quality reports and discuss any increase in respiratory symptoms with their primary care physician. The EASE Allentown program is also available to provide asthma education, virtual home assessments, and additional resources for older adults.

The takeaway

Allentown's status as a top-ranked asthma capital underscores the importance of minimizing indoor and outdoor environmental triggers. Maintaining consistent communication with a physician about symptom patterns and utilizing local resources remains a primary strategy for effective management.