Respiratory Medicine and Lung Specialists at Gleneagles Hospital Penang

What is Respiratory Medicine?

Respiratory medicine is a branch of internal medicine that specialises in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the respiratory system such as asthma, pulmonary hypertension and sleep-related breathing disorders. This field also covers infections, tumors, and occupational respiratory diseases.

Gleneagles Hospital Penang boasts a department dedicated to pulmonary and respiratory mediation and is fully equipped to help our patients recover from various types of breathing problems, from acute to chronic lung diseases.

Advanced Procedures for Respiratory Care

Our respiratory specialists use state-of-the-art techniques and tools to treat a wide range of conditions. These include:

• Tube thoracostomy for pleural effusion and pneumothorax
• Needle thoracentesis for pleural effusion
• Ultrasound guided needle thoracentesis/tube thoracostomy
• Pleural biopsy
• Bronchoscopy: the department is equipped with a broncho videoscope for diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopies (foreign body removal)
• Testing for allergies to identify triggers for respiratory diseases

Conditions We Treat

Our team of pulmonologists are experienced in managing diverse conditions, including:

• Bronchial asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis/emphysema)
• Pneumonias (infections)
• Interstitial lung disease
• Occupation related respiratory diseases
• Sleep-related breathing disorders, including sleep apnoea syndrome
• Diagnosis and staging of lung cancer
• Pulmonary embolism
• Chronic cough
• Bronchiectasis
• Haemoptysis (coughing blood)

With expert care from our lung specialists, we aim to improve the quality of life for patients struggling with these challenging conditions.

Diagnostic Tools Used

To ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans, we utilise the following advanced diagnostic tools:

• Chest radiograph and high-resolution CT scans
• CT scan of chest (64 slice CT scanner)
• Pulmonary function test such as spirometry
• Polysomnography for diagnosis of sleep related breathing disorders
• Chest ultrasound for real-time imaging

These tools enable our team to offer precise care for conditions ranging from pulmonary disease to complex cases of lung cancer.

Common Symptoms to Watch Out For

Including a list of common symptoms can help potential patients identify when they should seek medical help:

• Persistent cough or chronic cough lasting more than a few weeks.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Chest pain, especially during deep breaths.
• Frequent respiratory infections.
• Wheezing or noisy breathing.
• Blood in sputum (haemoptysis).

Preventative Measures for Respiratory Health

Taking proactive steps to care for your respiratory system can reduce the risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases and improve overall lung health. Here are some essential tips:

• Quit smoking to reduce the risks of lung cancer and COPD.
• Minimise allergen exposure to manage asthma.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a balanced diet for stronger lungs.
• Improve indoor air quality with ventilation and air purifiers.
• Stay updated on vaccinations to prevent respiratory infections.