Southern Arizona’s long drought is creating more than dry landscapes. It’s worsening health for people with asthma. The dry soil, dusty air and extreme heat are triggering flare-ups and increasing medical costs for Tucson residents like preschool teacher Noelle Bozoich.

University of Arizona researcher Dr. Paloma Beamer explains how drought conditions affect air quality and increase asthma risk and what precautions residents can take.

This story explores how Tucsonans are learning to adapt, one breath at a time.

Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.