The spokesman for Ed Koch (KAHCH') says the former New York City mayor is still short of breath but feeling better since re-entering the hospital.

The 88-year-old Koch went back to NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia hospital on Monday, two days after he was released.

Spokesman George Arzt says doctors on Tuesday were trying to reduce the water around Koch's lungs.

He says Koch thinks he'll be in the hospital at least a week but his spirits are good.

Koch didn't go to work on Monday because he had shortness of breath. That was what initially sent him to the hospital on Jan. 19.

Koch also was hospitalized in December with a respiratory infection and in September with anemia.