Asthma rates in parts of Brooklyn are higher than most of New York City, according to the Department of Health.

It says Downtown Brooklyn neighborhoods have worse air pollution rates, which is an environmental factor of asthma, compared to the city average. Child asthma rates are also higher.

Three peaks of asthma season occur in the winter, fall and spring, with the latter being the hardest-hitting.

Doctors at Montefiore Medical Center say removing clothes that have been worn outside, closing doors and windows when pollen counts are high and avoiding the outdoors when pollen is abundant can help lessen the symptoms. If going outdoors is unavoidable, doctors recommend taking medication beforehand.

Montefiore has launched an app called ASTHMAXcel to help patients monitor their asthma. The app has animated videos that give patients more knowledge on the respiratory disease and provides games for children. It also features personalized push notifications giving medication and motivational reminders.