Wheezing and Shortness of Breath: Asthma Care in NYC

If you are having severe trouble breathing, can't speak in full sentences, have chest pain, or your lips or face look blue or gray, call 911 now.

Wheezing, chest tightness or getting winded more easily than you should? These can be signs of asthma, which can start at any age, including in adulthood. Asthma is treatable, and the right plan can let you breathe, sleep and exercise normally.

Dr. Arthur Lubitz, a board-certified allergist and immunologist in Midtown Manhattan, diagnoses and treats asthma in adults, including severe asthma.

Signs it could be asthma

• A whistling or wheezing sound when you breathe out
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness, especially with exercise, cold air or around allergy triggers
• A cough that won't go away or wakes you at night
• Symptoms after colds that take weeks to settle

Already diagnosed with asthma? Needing your rescue inhaler more than twice a week, or waking at night with symptoms, is a sign your asthma isn't well controlled.

Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, including COPD, infections and heart problems. That's why a proper evaluation matters.

How Dr. Lubitz evaluates breathing problems

1. History and exam, including your triggers, medicines, work and home environment.
2. A lung function test in the office, before and after a bronchodilator.
3. Allergy testing, because allergies drive asthma in many adults.
4. A treatment plan: controller inhalers, a written action plan, trigger control, and biologic injections for severe asthma.

Learn more: what is asthma · treating asthma · chronic cough

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have severe or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor or call 911.