Music Therapy: Healing with Rhythm and Melody, not Words

Sep 17, 2013 | Integrative Medicine, Music Therapy

Guest post by Abigail Strubel, MA, LCSW

The function of music is to release us from the tyranny of conscious thought.
– English conductor Sir Thomas Beecham (1879 – 1961)

One of the most groundbreaking programs at Beth Israel Medical Center is the Louis and Lucille Armstrong Music Therapy Program. For the past 20 years, it has provided music therapy to an extremely diverse cross-section of patients ranging from premature babies in the neonatal ICU, to geriatric patients in palliative care, to musicians at The Louis Armstrong Center for Music & Medicine, where Stephan Quentzel, MD, and Joanne Loewy, DA, LCAT, MT-BC, and their team treat performing artists from Broadway to the subway. Care is provided on both an inpatient and outpatient basis, with individuals, groups and families. (more…)

Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm: Cause and Treatment

Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Allergy, Exercise, Pulmonary Disease, Sports Medicine

In the summer, we are outdoors—and hopefully exercising—more often. About 10% of people who exercise will get exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB). Symptoms may include wheezing, excessive shortness of breath, chest tightness, or just coughing beginning 5 to 10 minutes after exercise. EIB occurs most frequently in persons with asthma, particularly those whose asthma is not well controlled. Various studies show that up to 90% of people with asthma have EIB. But it can also occur in isolation—in a person without asthma. (more…)

Can Acid Reflux Cause Shortness of Breath?

Jun 4, 2013 | Allergy, Ear Nose Throat, Pulmonary Disease, Your Health

Could acid reflux be the cause of my shortness of breath?

Yes. The cause of shortness of breath, recurring bronchial infections and chronic asthma in most patients is acid reflux. In fact, 85 percent of all patients diagnosed with asthma have acid reflux as an underlying cause.

But I don’t have heartburn — isn’t that a symptom of acid reflux?

If all patients with acid reflux presented with heartburn and indigestion, the diagnosis would be easy. As a result, patients would take over-the-counter reflux medication for their uncomfortable, “classic” reflux symptoms. But, what happens when you don’t experience these “classic” symptoms? What if you feel short of breath or keep getting bouts of bronchitis? Naturally, you would go to the doctor, possibly have a breathing test and find that your breathing is not good.

Why doesn’t my allergy medicine help?

Often these patients are diagnosed with allergies or asthma, but their allergy medications and inhalers are not working. They are frequently given recurring courses of antibiotics for bronchial infections. In most cases the diagnosis is not correct and the underlying cause — acid reflux — of all of the symptoms is missed.

How can I tell if acid reflux is the cause?

Inspiratory breathing (in-breath) problems are caused by acid reflux; expiratory breathing (out-breath) problems are symptoms of asthma. Ask yourself: “Do I have more trouble breathing in or breathing out?” When breathing problems are recurring for you and you are frustrated with the symptom management, ask your otolaryngologist (ENT) if you have “silent” reflux.

How can I manage my symptoms?

Conservative management, including avoiding eating 3 hours prior to bedtime, elevating the head of the bed and reducing highly acidic foods, can be very helpful. Some patients require reflux medication. The proper diagnosis and treatment can be very helpful and life-changing for many people. 

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Tree Pollens: Why May Is Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month

May 6, 2013 | Allergy, Ear Nose Throat, Health Tips

Pollens — the microscopic plant particles that cause seasonal allergies in many people — come from three general types of plants: trees, grasses and weeds. In general, trees pollinate in the late winter/early spring; grasses often overlap the trees at the end of their season and extend late into the summer; and ragweed, the most important of allergenic weeds, starts pollenating in mid-August through September. (more…)

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