New Jersey - The Asthma State?

Here in New Jersey, Asthma became front page news with the hospitilization of Gov. Chris Christie for the breathing condition on July 28th.
According to the N.J. Dept. of Health and Senior Services, New Jersey has the highest rates of Asthma in the country, affecting 7% of all adults (about 511,000) and 9% of children (around 188,000). Nationally, about one in 12 people have asthma.
Asthma basically cuts off the body's oxygen intake, and can be triggered by many factors, including enviornment, allergies, and exercise. New Jersey's humid summers, cold winters, pollution, and pollen are the theories why the rate is higher here.
Asthma actually begins as a protective reaction for the lungs against irritants. The muscles in the lungs contract, swell, and form mucous. But as it becomes excessive, the airways becomes narrower and blocks breathing.
With chronic asthma, muscle tissue in the lungs become thicker, exasperating the problem. The sufferer has shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. The chest also tightens. Asthma accounts for about 500,000 hospitilizations every year in America, and over 3500 deaths.
Overweight people have a greater tendency to develop asthma, because of more inflammation in their lungs. Exercise can help open up the breathing passages, but it is recommended to always have an inhaler handy.