Ex-New York Mayor Ed Koch in ICU

Former New York Mayor Ed Koch has been admitted to the intensive care unit at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

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Koch, 88, “was in obvious discomfort” Thursday, his spokesman, George Arzt, told CNN affiliate WCBS. The ex-mayor and his cardiologist determined he should be placed in the ICU.

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He has been hospitalized since Monday, when he was admitted with a fluid buildup in his lungs. On Tuesday, the democratic public servant was unable to attend a screening of director Neil Barsky's film about the mayor’s career, Koch.

The former lawyer served in Congress from 1968-77, when he ran for New York mayor. He served three terms, until David Dinkins defeated him in the Democratic primary in 1989.

After leaving politics, Koch enjoyed a career as a radio host and newspaper columnist and made a number of television appearances as himself on shows including Sex in the City and Spin City. He was the judge on The People’s Court from 1995-97.

Koch was previously hospitalized in September for anemia and received a blood transfusion at Presbyterian.