Asthma Specialist

Firshein Center

Richard Firshein, D.O.

Integrative Medicine & Family Medicine located in Manhattan, Upper East Side, NY

More than 20 million adults in the United States have asthma, and more than 6 million children also have this respiratory problem. As a best-selling author, with titles including Reversing Asthma and Your Asthma-Free Child, Dr. Richard Firshein at the Firshein Center is uniquely qualified to help patients on the Manhattan of Upper East Side breathe easier. If you or your child struggle with asthma, call or use the online scheduling to set up an appointment today.

212-860-0282

Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a respiratory problem that causes inflammation and extra mucus in your airways, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma presents itself in varying degrees and is defined by attacks, which can range from minor to life-threatening.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma affects people differently — some people only suffer infrequent attacks, while others live with day-to-day problems that interfere with their breathing. Therefore, the following list of symptoms represents the most common characteristics of the disease, but it doesn’t represent the severity to which they can affect you:

Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing
Coughing or wheezing
Tightness in your chest

Again, these symptoms may be minor and easily treated with a spot inhaler when they come on. In moderate to severe cases, an asthma attack may require a trip to the emergency room or urgent care. In fact, in 2015, 1.7 million visits to the ER were attributable to asthma.

What causes asthma?

The exact cause of asthma is unclear, but genetics and environment appear to play a role. Asthma can be triggered by different things, such as:

Your environment
A cold
Exercise
An allergy

The link between asthma and allergies is strong, and many asthma sufferers experience attacks that are brought on by their allergies, which can include anything from dust and pollen to certain food additives or medications.

How is asthma treated?

Dr. Firshein has spent an enormous amount of time studying the role that inflammation plays in the body, and this includes the inflammation in your airways that’s brought on by asthma. He brings this extensive knowledge to your treatment and offers:

Spot medications
Long-term medications
Immunotherapy
Breathing exercises
Mindfulness techniques
Nutritional counseling
Trigger avoidance programs
Nutraceutical therapies

Dr. Firshein’s goal is to not only help you weather an asthma attack, but more importantly, avoid them in the first place. By tackling the disease on a systemic level, Dr. Firshein helps you find long-term relief from asthma.

To gain the upper hand on your asthma, call the Firshein Center, or fill out the online form to request an appointment.