Lung disease is one of the most common respiratory conditions in Singapore. It does not just impair breathing, it may also put a strain on one’s finances. Also, according to many studies, a Singaporean adult that’s affected by lung disease may prompt the government to spend approximately SGD 27,500 annually.
Putting the said factors into consideration, individuals who experience any form of lung disease or breathing problems need to immediately visit a lung specialist in Singapore, also known as a pulmonologist in Singapore.
If you do not know when to visit a pulmonologist in Singapore, then you came to the right place. Below are some of the most common conditions that you need to be mindful of. Read on.
Asthma
Asthma, in simple terms, is a chronic inflammation of the lungs. Although it can affect basically anyone at any age, it is quite common among young children.
People who suffer from asthma usually have reactive airways, meaning that when particular triggers like pet dander, pollen, cigarette smoke, and physical activity are present, their airways narrow, tighten, and become inflamed, among others.
Shortness of breath that is often complemented by chest tightness are usually some of the most common symptoms of an asthma attack, and it is best to seek medical intervention as soon as they are developed. Long-term control medications that are recommended by a pulmonologist in Singapore are used to treat the disease, and emergency or rescue medications are used to treat flare-ups.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are also included in the list of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases or COPD. People who have smoked heavily for a long time (five to ten years) are frequently affected.
People with COPD often experience breathing difficulties as a result of ongoing alterations to their lungs and airways. Shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and a persistent cough that frequently produces a lot of mucus are symptoms of the said condition.
For COPD management, quitting smoking is essential. Here, medication plays a significant role in managing symptoms and other associated disorders. Consequently, some people need extra oxygen to go about their daily lives or to sleep.
Lung cancer
Internationally, lung cancer is the third-most common cancer in both men and women. Studies show that smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes) is the biggest risk factor for the said condition, which accounts to about 90% of all lung cancer cases.
Tumors from lung cancer may expand without producing any pain or suffering. By the time symptoms become apparent, lung cancer is typically fairly advanced. They may consist of the following:
- a cough that persists, worsens, or transforms into a chronic cough
- chest pain that worsens over time, particularly when taking deep breaths, laughing, or coughing
- exhaling blood
- breathing difficulty
- hoarseness
During and after cancer treatment, a pulmonologist in Singapore, together with an oncologist collaborate with patients to address lung issues.
Lung infections
Simple infections like bronchitis can usually be treated by your primary care physician. However, pulmonologists are frequently needed for complex lung infections. This covers diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis (TB). If you have other chronic diseases like COPD or heart disease, or if your bronchitis is difficult to cure, it also encompasses other conditions.
Sleep apnea
Your breathing may stop multiple times throughout your sleep if you have sleep apnea. The pauses might be brief or prolonged. A snorting or choking sound typically signals the start of breathing again. Even though it is a prevalent sleep condition, most affected individuals are unaware of it.
Sleep apnea can have many different causes, and it is best to seek the guidance of a lung specialist in Singapore at first sign of the said condition. All of them cause less oxygen to enter your lungs and then your blood. Most persons with sleep apnea can control it with specialized mouthpieces and breathing apparatus. Surgery might be advantageous for some people.
Summing up
If you have any of the said conditions, it is best to visit a pulmonologist in Singapore at early onset of the said condition. This way, you have higher chances of getting the right treatment and therefore speed up your recovery process.