Twin Cities residents are more likely to wind up in the hospital for asthma than people in rural areas, according to a new report by the Minnesota Department of Health.

The report noted, however, that asthma rates in Minnesota, urban and rural, are below the national average and have trended down in recent years. But after a dramatic decline through the mid-2000s, the statewide asthma mortality rate increased between 2008 and 2010. There were 52 asthma-related deaths in 2008 and 73 in 2010. The report also found that autumn is the most likely time for Minnesota kids to be hospitalized for asthma.

Health Department analysts said they couldn't explain the geographic gap, but noted that secondhand smoke, mold, pet dander and air pollution can contribute to asthma attacks.

Read the full report here.