Asthma

At the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Montefiore Medical Center, we are committed to helping our asthmatic patients become symptom free and achieve the best possible health. Our physicians look beyond the symptoms of asthma and identify and treat the underlying causes. Once we have determined the cause of the asthma, we can eliminate the source and minimize the patient's condition.

An Ongoing History of National Leadership

Our partnership with Albert Einstein College of Medicine allows us to conduct cutting-edge research in asthma diagnosis and treatment. During the National Cooperative Inner-City Asthma Study, our team worked closely with Einstein researchers investigating the causes of asthma in the Bronx. In order to continually enhance our expertise and quality of care, we remain involved in a number of clinical trials looking at new asthma and allergy drugs.

All of our experience and knowledge contributes to the care that we are able to give our asthmatic patients. We have found that our patients respond best when they receive treatment from a specialist, or through a specialist working in conjunction with a primary care doctor, because of the more focused treatment plan that is provided. Such expert asthma therapy allows asthmatics to become relatively symptom free and live a healthy, active life.

Unique Diagnosis and Treatment Approach

Our distinctive, multistep treatment method goes far beyond what most primary care physicians provide. Asthma usually occurs when a person breathes in allergenic substances, particularly while sleeping. We help our patients find and remove asthma triggers from their homes and sleeping areas.

Then, we teach our patients how to allergen-proof their homes. Small changes can considerably improve a person's health, such as keeping dogs and cats out of the bedroom and eliminating household pests and dust mites. Patients have also benefited from switching to allergen-proof bedding covers. After implementing these changes, patients generally experience a significant improvement in their health.

Montefiore has access to the most current and progressive medications. Advances in asthma medication tend to be slow. Many asthmatic patients take the same medication for many years without improvement. We provide our patients with the newest and most effective asthma medications available. Our physicians educate each patient on how to take medications and the possible side effects, and monitor patients for side effects during follow-up care.