Clinical Services: Infants, Children & Teens

• Asthma Initiative Program • Developmental Pediatrics • Inpatient Pediatrics • HIV & AIDS Services • Music & Health Clinic • NICU

Asthma Initiative Program (AIP)

About Asthma
Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting more than one child in 20. It is a disease of the lungs in which the airways, triggered by an allergen or irritant, become narrowed, causing shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest. Difficulty breathing may trigger anxiety, further compounding the symptoms, and severe episodes may require hospitalization. Asthma can be managed with proper treatment and prevention.

Asthma Initiative Program (AIP)
The Asthma Initiative Program (AIP) uses music therapy to enhance the breathing capacity and quality of life of children and teens with asthma. The research team is composed of music therapists, physicians, and other medical team staff. AIP uses music-assisted relaxation and breathing exercises combined with playing a wind instrument to complement medical treatment. This unique, creative approach may help children to understand how to breathe optimally and maintain control over their symptoms. The program is FREE and sponsored by the Grammy Foundation Grant Program.

Participants have the opportunity to enroll in our music therapy research program where they are interviewed and provided with spirometry (lung function) tests initially and again after six months. All participants receive a free Yamaha recorder flute and a free journal to log their asthma symptoms and experiences

Enroll in our Study
Children and teens ages 7-18 diagnosed with asthma may be eligible for the study. Parents/caregivers may contact the AIP Hotline at (212) 420-3592 for more information and to schedule an appointment.

Where is AIP?
The study takes place at Beth Israel Medical Center , Philips Ambulatory Care Center ,
10 Union Square , New York , NY 10003 .
**AIP also works onsite in area public schools. If you would like your school to host AIP, call (212) 420-3592 .

Related Research and Articles
For articles from peer-reviewed journals, research studies and authoritative literature, please see the bibliographies in the Suggested Reading section. Additional information is available through Websites listed on the Related Links page.

For Questions and Further Information
For questions and further information about music therapy or referrals for yourself, your loved ones or your patients, please call (212) 420-2704 or email info@musicandmedicine.org.