Respiratory Medicine

The Department of Respiratory Medicine at Sengkang General Hospital provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care for a wide variety of pulmonary disorders. The pulmonary and critical care physicians offer an extensive range of clinical programmes to improve patient outcomes in respiratory and critical care medicine.

The department is supported by services in all aspects of ambulatory pulmonary patient care, including pulmonary function laboratory and endoscopy suites. The Sleep Clinic which is equipped with both inpatient and ambulatory sleep laboratory services aid in the diagnosis and management of sleep-related problems. By integrating clinical expertise, research and modern technology, the department strives to provide the best medical care and services for their patients.

Our Clinical Services

The clinical services provided by the Department of Respiratory Medicine encompass a variety of respiratory and critical care treatments for both inpatient and outpatient care. They include:

Diagnosis and management of airway disorders (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis) - including severe asthma requiring biologics
Evaluation and management of diffuse parenchymal lung disease
Diagnosis and treatment of lung infections (including tuberculosis)
Evaluation and management of chronic cough
Evaluation and management of haemoptysis
Evaluation and management of pleural disorders (pneumothorax, pleural effusions)
Evaluation and management of patients requiring chronic Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV)
Evaluation and management of long term oxygen
Evaluation and management of sleep disorder breathing (obstructive sleep apnoea, obesity hypoventilation syndrome) - for more information, you can refer to SKH Department of Sleep Medicine page here.

Our Department Facilities

Ambulatory clinics
Pulmonary Diagnostics @ SKH Clinical Measurement Centre is equipped with modern computerized apparatus which can offer a wide variety of lung function testing for inpatients, outpatients, direct referrals from primary care partners and other hospitals. Available tests include:

Spirometry with or without reversibility testing
Lung volumes (body plethysmography and nitrogen washout)
Diffusion Capacity
Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures
Maximal voluntary ventilation
Fractional Exhaled nitric oxide
Pulse oximetry
Skin prick test for aeroallergens
Oxygen titration at rest / exercise
Bronchoprovocation tests:

Methacholine challenge test
Exercise induced asthma test
Hypertonic saline challenge test

Six-minute walking test

Endoscopy room

Diagnostic services include flexible bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial biopsy, transbronchial lung biopsy under fluoroscopy, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and medical thoracoscopy.

Pleural Service

Focused thoracic ultrasound
Thoracocentesis and pleural drainage
Closed pleural biopsy
In-dwelling pleural catheter

Sleep disorder service

Sleep medicine clinics: This clinic will see patients with sleep disordered breathing (including obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), insomnias, parasomnias, narcolepsy and abnormal sleep movements.
Inpatient polysomnogram
Multiple sleep latency testing
Ambulatory sleep study / pulse oximetry / actigraphy
CPAP counselling and rental services

Our Clinics

General Respiratory
Airway Disorders Clinic (Asthma, COPD and Bronchiectasis)
Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic
Pleural Clinic
Sleep Clinic

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Conditions We Treat

Airway disorders

Asthma including severe asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Bronchiectasis

Interstitial lung disease
Lung nodules and evaluation of lung cancer
Lung infections

Pleural disorders

Pneumothorax
Pleural effusions

Chronic cough
Haemoptysis
Sleep disorder breathing

Obstructive sleep apnoea
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome

Treatments Offered

Bronchoscopy
Bronchoalveolar lavage
Transbronchial lung biopsy
Endobronchial ultrasound
Transbronchial needle aspiration
Image-guided biopsy of peripheral lung nodules using radial probe
Focused pleural ultrasound
Pleural drainage including in-dwelling pleural catheters
Closed pleural biopsy
Medical thoracoscopy
Anti-fibrotics for Interstitial lung disease
Chronic Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV)

FAQs

What is respiratory medicine?

Respiratory medicine deals with the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of diseases of the airway and lungs, their linings and blood vessels, and the muscles and nerves we use to breathe. The majority of respiratory doctors and physicians are trained in general internal medicine (GIM) as well as respiratory medicine, ensuring that the medical care and treatment they provide is thorough and holistic.

What to expect at our respiratory outpatient appointment?

At your respiratory outpatient appointment, you will be seen by our experienced and compassionate doctors and nurses. You may be asked to undergo chest radiography at our radiology department located within the same building or to undergo pulmonary function tests. Do rest assured that there should be no pain associated with the pulmonary function tests although it is possible that you may experience some shortness of breath, chest discomfort, lightheadedness, or headache during some of the tests. You will be monitored closely by experienced staff and the test can be stopped if you are uncomfortable.

You may also be asked to see our specialist nurses who will educate and counsel you on your respiratory condition as well as how to use your inhaler if you have been prescribed one.

If you require a bronchoscopy or a thoracoscopy, you will be counselled on the process and arrangements will be made to undergo the procedure at our hospital’s state of the art endoscopy centre.

Tips on maintaining good lung hygiene

Our lungs keep us alive and well hence it is important to prioritise lung health. Cigarette smoking is a major cause of lung diseases hence it is of utmost importance to not smoke. A healthy lifestyle with regular exercise also benefits not only your general health but also your lung health.

Avoidance of air-pollutants may protect your lungs. Avoid exercising near high traffic areas or when the outdoor air-quality is poor. If you work in an environment with exposure to chemicals or fumes, ensure appropriate protection is worn.

Wear a mask if you are going to crowded places to avoid contracting infections and ensure good hand hygiene. We also recommend keeping your influenza and pneumococcal vaccines up to date especially if you are elderly or have a chronic lung disease.

Our Care Team

Sengkang General Hospital provides patients experiencing respiratory issues with an experienced and varied team of respiratory doctors and specialists who are passionate about delivering holistic medical care that is tailored to your individual needs. Our respiratory doctors and pulmonary and critical care physicians provide a vast range of treatments and clinical programmes that are aimed at optimising our patient’s health and recovery. If you or your loved one need a diagnosis, treatment or second opinion, please make an appointment with us here. You may wish to get a referral letter from your GP or your physician at the polyclinic.