Expert: Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator - 8/12/2009

Question
Hi Marc,
!st Thankyou for volunteering,I really appreciate it! I live in Denver Colorado Dry and a mile high,My wife and I are considering a huge move to Sioux City Iowa,lower in elevation and a lot higher in humidity.Will this be better/wose/same for my asthma? I plan on stay either here or there proably for the rest of my life. Again Thankyou.

Answer
Hi Doug,

Well....I just went to http://www.pollen.com to check out pollen levels for the past 30 days, and they were lower in Sioux City!

I think that you need to do some investigation as to what pollens sources they have there, and how that compares with your triggers. Only then will you have a better idea of which may be better. Obviously, with higher humidity comes increased risk of higher mold levels. What will definitely differ will be the type of tree pollens, as well as weed and agricultural pollens. You can go to the Pollen.com website and have emails daily of the 2 day pollen reports that not only indicate levels, but of which specific pollens.

What I know for sure they don't have is National Jewish Hospital, the #1 center for asthma and lung disease in the nation. But to find a qualified asthma doc there, all you need is to do is  go to:
http://www.aaaai.org/physref/ to find a board certified allergist.

May I make a suggestion? If you do not have family in Sioux City, why not try first renting out your home in Denver for 6 months, and rent a place in Sioux City for that period of time. You may find you love it and want to stay, or discover prior trips gave you a false sense of contentment. This way you limit your risk, both financially as well as physically.

Hope this helps!

Happy exploring :)

Sincerely,

Marc