Patti Austin cancels Beijing concert due to asthma attack

U.S. singer Patti Austin canceled a concert in Beijing after she suffered a "severe asthma attack," a statement on her website said. The singer was scheduled to perform Friday at Forbidden City Concert Hall, but became sick that morning. "She was taken in an emergency to the Peking Union Medical College Hospital this morning where she has been treated for a severe asthma attack in combination with respiratory infection," the statement said. "Ms. Austin is currently resting in her hotel. Her current breathing condition does not physically enable her to perform tonight." "Ms. Austin is extremely disappointed about this situation since she was very much looking forward to performing," the statement added. The cause of her illness wasn't reported, but there is growing concern over the health effects of air pollution in the Chinese capital, the BBC reported. Beijing officials recently announced new measures to combat the problem, which includes removing half the city's private cars off the roads on days when there is high levels of pollution.