Local doctors are trying to help educate the public about managing asthma during Asthma Awareness Month.

Doctors say the Bronx continues to lead the city with the highest number of asthma cases due to pollution and lack of medical services.

Lincoln Hospital officials report that there are about 9,000 emergency visits each year from Bronx residents suffering from asthma. The hospital's Asthma Pulmonary Clinic offers a wide range of services to asthma sufferers and has been treating some of the more severe forms of asthma for 15 years.

Doctors say the first step to breathing easier is to learn your condition's triggers and find an asthma specialist to help manage symptoms.

They add that people with asthma don't have to suffer for years from the disease. Doctors say with the proper education and medication asthma is preventable.