What is Asthma?

Asthma is a common chest condition in which there is temporary narrowing of the breathing tubes in the lungs (airways) because they are hyper-reactive and oversensitive. In asthma, these tubes have inflammation and swelling of their linings, increased mucus inside, tightening of the muscles in their walls and therefore less flow of air in and out.

WHAT CAUSES AN ASTHMA ATTACK?

No single cause has been found, but a variety of factors may trigger an attack. A check list of trigger factors is:

  • Infections, especially colds
  • Allergies to animal fur, feathers, pollens, mould
  • House dust, especially the dust mites
  • Cigarette smoke; other smoke and fumes
  • Sudden change in weather or temperature
  • Occupational irritants such as wood dust, synthetic sprays, chemicals
  • Drugs such as aspirin, drugs to treat arthritis, heart problems and glaucoma
  • Certain food and food additives
  • Exercise, especially in a cold atmosphere
  • Emotional upsets and stress

Please seek Medical attention as soon as possible if you are unsure of you or your family's health condition.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA?

The main symptoms are breathlessness, tightness in the chest, wheezing and coughing, especially in the night.

SEVERE ASTHMA

Symptoms or signs of very severe asthma are anxiety, blue colour of the lips, cyanosis, ashen grey colour of the skin, fast pulse, rapid breathing, in drawing of the chest wall, difficulty speaking, no response to asthma medication and feeling very sick. These uncommon severe symptoms mean that you should seek urgent medical attention.

Asthma Genetic Predisposition

HOW COMMON IS ASTHMA?

About 1 child in every 4 or 5 has asthma, usually in a mild form. It usually comes on between the ages of 2 and 7. Most children outgrow by puberty, but a small number get it as adults. Others continue with it. About 1 in 10 adults has asthma.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR ASTHMA?

Prevention of attacks is the best treatment, and all asthmatics and their families should aim to know the disorder very well and become expert in it.

KNOW YOUR ASTHMA

  • Read all about it
  • Try to identify trigger factors and avoid them
  • Become expert at using your medicine and inhalers. A big problem is incorrect inhaler technique, 34% of patients
  • Know and recognize the danger signs and act promptly
  • Have regular checks with your doctor
  • Learn breathing exercises
  • Work out a clear management plan and an action plan for when trouble strikes
  • Learn the value of a peak expiratory flow meter, for anyone over 6
  • Always carry your bronchodilator inhaler and check that it is not empty

STAY AT YOUR BEST

If you need medications, these should be as simple, safe and effective as possible. This is why inhaled medications are most often used for asthma. There are basically 2 types of inhaled medication that your doctor might advise you to use:

1.      The Asthma preventor such as Pulmocort

2.      The Asthma reliever which is called a bronchodilator

KEY POINTS:

1. GET TO KNOW HOW SEVERE YOUR ASTHMA IS

2. AVOID TRIGGER FACTORS SUCH AS TOBACCO SMOKE

3. KEEP AT YOUR BEST WITH SUITABLE MEDICATIONS

4. GET URGENT HELP WHEN DANGER SIGNS APPEAR

5. HAVE AN ACTION PLAN FOR SEVERE ASTHMA

6. USE YOUR INHALERS PROPERLY AND USE A SPACER IF NECESSARY

7. GET A PEAK FLOW METER TO HELP ASSESS SEVERITY AND WORK OUT YOUR BEST LUNG FUNCTION

A Comprehensive Allergy Test can be done at our medical clinic. Please make an appointment for a consultation with Dr Don Lau at Tel: 6694 1661.

Comprehensive Allergies Test for up to 101 allergens:
* Food Allergy eg Seafood, Nuts, Eggs, Fish, Meat, Fruits, Seeds or Vegetables.
* Dust/Mold Allergy
* Insect Sting Allergy.
* Pet/Cockroach Allergy.
* Eye or Skin Allergy
* Sinus Infection/Allergic Rhinitis
* Drug/Latex Allergy

Dermatology Problems - Acne, Dry Skin, Warts, Corns & Calluses on Feet

Sinopharm COVID-19 & Latest Influenza Vaccines (Protects against Flu and H1N1 Viruses) / Pre-Departure COVID-19 PCR  Swab & Serology Tests for Travellers, Serology Testing to Certify Vaccination status and Pre-Event COVID Testing. Make your Appointment at Tel: 6694 1661

Flu Subsidy Scheme eligible for Singaporeans & PRs (Pay subsidized rate of $10 for Consultation and Treatment) & Merdeka Generation /Pioneer Generation seniors (Pay subsidized $5) for patients with Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs).

Health Assessment & Screening Packages

Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine in Singapore

Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine is now available @ MD International Medical Centre. Make a Vaccination or Booster Appointment at Tel: 6694 1661. Learn more about Sinopharm here.

Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV vaccine has now been approved for use by private clinics in Singapore against the COVID-19 virus under the Special Access Route. It is the first China-made vaccine to be approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

To date, more than a billion doses of the Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV have been administered. The vaccine has also been approved for use in over 50 countries around the world.

Inactivated vaccines are a tried-and-tested form of vaccine technology which is used in other well-established vaccines, such as the Flu and Hepatitis B vaccines.

If you would like to receive the Sinopharm vaccine or booster, please make your appointment at MD Int'l Medical Centre at Tel: 6694 1661.

Effects of COVID-19 on the Brain

COVID Symptoms to watch out for:

SARS-CoV-2 Virus Infection of Human Organ  Tissues through Cell ACE-2 Receptors:

Ministry of Health Recommendation :

  • For persons who have already completed their Primary series with mRNA vaccines and are recommended to get a booster, but are unable to take another dose of mRNA vaccines for medical reasons, they may boost using one dose of Sinopharm vaccine. The booster should be taken six months after mRNA dose 2 (M-M-S).
  • For persons who are unable to take the the 2nd dose of mRNA vaccines for medical reasons, they may complete their vaccination with the Sinopharm vaccine. 2 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine is recommended to complete the Primary series. The 2nd Sinopharm dose  should be taken 28 days after the 1st Sinopharm dose (M-S-S).

For recovered persons who had not completed a primary series before infection:

  • For persons who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection but received 1 dose or none of COVID-19 vaccination prior, they may receive 2 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine (28 days interval between doses), 3 months after the date of infection to complete a primary vaccination series (Recovered-S-S or S-Recovered-S-S or M-Recovered-S-S).
  • For persons who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection and had received 2 doses of Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccines prior, they may receive 1 dose of Sinopharm after 3 months from the date of infection to complete a primary vaccination series (S-S-Recovered-S).

Skin Problems - Treatment for Allergies, Dermatitis, Eczema & Urticaria/Hives

Vitamins & Nutrients for a Well-functioning Immune System to Protect against COVID-19 & other Viral Infections

(Ref: Nutrients. 2020 Apr 23;12(4). pii: E1181. doi: 10.3390/nu12041181 Optimal Nutritional Status for a Well-Functioning Immune System Is an Important Factor to Protect against Viral Infections Calder PC1, Carr AC2, Gombart AF3, Eggersdorfer M4.

Healthy Aging

How a Gluten-free Diet can Improve your Chronic Illnesses

Healthy Diets for Optimal Health

Up to $400 per Medisave Account per year can be used for Vaccinations under the National Adult & Childhood Immunisation Schedule - Influenza, Pneumococcal (PCV13/PPSV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV2/HPV4), Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (Tdap), Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) and Chickenpox (Varicella).

Part of MOH's Swab & Go Home programme. Our clinic can carry out the COVID-19 Swab test for anyone who meets the MOH medical criteria. All individuals aged 13 and above, diagnosed with ARI will be COVID Swab-tested. Cost of Swab test to be borne by Ministry of Health Singapore.

Part of the National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance programme with MOH. If you have a fever of > 38 degrees with a cough, our clinic is able to test for COVID-19. For children below 12 years old with clinical diagnosis of HFMD (eg fever, oral ulcers, rash), our clinic can test for Hand Foot & Mouth Disease (The tests are for surveillance purposes only).

Ear, Nose & Throat Problems

Groups at Higher Risk for Severe Illness in a COVID-19 Infection

Comorbidities & Underlying Health Conditions in COVID-19 Patients with Complications

·       Hypertension

·       Diabetes mellitus

·       Cerebrovascular disease

·       Cardiovascular disease

·       Chronic lung diseases including COPD

·       Chronic Kidney disease

·       Asthma

·       Dementia

·       Chronic Neurological Disorders

·       Cancer

·       Rheumatological Disorder

·       Obesity

·       Smoking

·       Chronic Hematologic disease / Haemoglobin Blood Disorders

·       Liver disease / Hepatitis B Infection

·       Malnutrition

·       Immunodeficiency / Immunocompromised eg HIV AIDS

·       People aged 65 and older

(Ref: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41430-020-0642-3.pdf, Dailymail.co.uk, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32320003/, Comorbidity and its impact on 1590 patients with Covid-19 in China: A Nationwide Analysis https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/early/2020/03/17/13993003.00547-2020

Co-infection of COVID-19 with other infectious diseases is possible.

Reduce your risk of getting sick with COVID-19

  • Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date. People older than 65 years, and those with many underlying conditions, such as those who are immunocompromised or with significant liver disease, are recommended to receive vaccinations against influenza (Flu 2021/22) and pneumococcal disease (PCV). Click here for Vaccination schedules (NAIS/NCIS).
  • Do not delay getting medical care for your underlying condition because of COVID-19. MD International Medical Centre has contingency MOH infection prevention protocols to protect you from getting COVID-19 if you need care for your underlying condition.
  • Continue your medications and do not change your treatment plan without talking to your doctor.
  • Make sure that you have at least a two-week supply of your chronic disease medications.
  • Call MDIMC @ Tel: 6694 1661 for a medical appointment if you have any concerns about your underlying medical conditions or if you get sick. Our clinic is a PHPC-accredited medical clinic. Under the MOH Swab & Go Home programme, our doctors can do a COVID-19 PCR Swab test if you meet the MOH medical crtieria.

COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 Virus Information

Shawn Achor: The happy secret to better work

We believe that we should work to be happy, but could that be backwards? In this fast-moving and entertaining talk from TEDxBloomington, psychologist Shawn Achor argues that actually happiness inspires productivity.

MD International Medical Centre

Medical Services available :

Public Health Preparedness Clinic

National University Health System Primary Care Network

Singapore Ministry of Health Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP)

The information provided in this website is for knowledge purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice.

Should you encounter any medical problem that you are unsure of, always consult your doctor or health care provider for assistance and medical advice.

MD International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.
Share this page:

9 Taman Serasi #01-11, Botanic Gardens View

Tel : 65-6694-1661  Fax : 65-6694 1771

Email : contact@mdimc.sg

Clinic hours:

Monday to Friday: 9am-12.30pm / 2pm-6.30pm    Saturday: 9.30am-1pm

*Last registration is 30mins before the closing time

Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays

- Cashless service with most International Insurance companies and Insurance Medical cards are accepted

- Japanese & Mandarin-speaking Doctors and Medical staff

Please contact us at Tel: 6694 1661 to make an appointment.

OUR MEDICAL TEAM

Dr Don Lau – Medical Director

MBBS (Monash), B Med Sc (Hons) (Monash), Dip Pract Derm (Wales, UK)

Fujiwara Takanori DC

The Chiropractic Association Singapore, Japan Chiropractic Register, American Chiropractic Association, California Chiropractic Association

Physiotherapy-trained NBCE The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners

YAMAGATA Chihiro 山懸千尋

Registered Psychologist

Dr Lee Sao Bing – Opthalmologist (in-house Specialist)

MBBS, MMed(Ophth), FRCSEd(Ophth), MD, FAMS

Dr Pang Yoke Teen – ENT (Visiting Consultant)

FRCS (ORL), FRCS(EDIN), (FRCSGLASG), FAMS, MBBS

MD International Medical Centre

Medical Services

Minor Surgical Procedures :

·       Injection for Supraspinatus or Bicipital Tendonitis / Epicondylitis / Trigger finger / Plantar Fasciitis

·       Tendon Sheath Injection

·       Excision of small Skin tumours / Lipomas / Nail bed / Ear lobe cysts / Meibomian cyst

·       Removal of Skin sutures / Skin tags / Sebaceous cysts / Various foreign bodies / Corneal foreign body

·       Liquid Nitrogen Therapy

·       Treatment of Plantar Warts / Calluses / Corns / Ganglions

·       Splinters under nails

·       Olecranon and Pre-patellar Bursitis

·       Ear syringing

·       Embedded earring stud

Medical Conditions Treatable with Therapy:  

  • Head & Neck – Neckaches/ Spondylosis/ Wry Neck/ Whiplash/ Headaches/ Migraine/ Facial Palsy
  • Back – Back Strain/ Slipped Disc/ Scoliosis/ Sciatica/ Spondylosis/ Spondylolisthesis/ Spondylolysis
  • Shoulder – Frozen Shoulder/ Rotator Cuff Tear/ Impingement Syndrome
  • Elbow – Tennis Elbow/ Golf Elbow
  • Hip / Knee – Anterior Knee Pain/ Runner’s Knee/ Meniscus Injury/ Ligament Injury
  • Foot – Plantar Fasciitis/ Heel Pain/ Metatarsalgia
  • Joint – Arthritis/ Cartilage Wear & Tear/ Osteoarthritis
  • Ligament – Sprains/ ACL Laxity/ Ankle Sprain
  • Muscle – Strains/ ITB Tightness/ Hamstring Tear
  • Tendons – Tendonitis/ Repetitive Strain Injury/ Tendinopathy
  • Sports Injuries
  • Obesity – Exercise & Meal Planning 
  • Post Operation/ Hospitalization
  • Fibromyalgia

Recent Articles

RSS

  1. What is Anxiety?

    Dec 02, 21 01:38 AM

    Anxiety is an uncomfortable inner feeling of fear or imminent disaster. Most of us experience some temporary degree of anxiety in our lives.

    Read More

  2. Grow New Brain Cells - The Neurogenesis Diet

    Nov 29, 21 04:25 AM

    Despite popular belief, it is actually possible to Grow New Brain Cells with a Neurogenesis Diet and exercise. Learn what brain boosters and supplements you need.

    Read More

  3. Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea FAQ

    Nov 29, 21 04:18 AM

    What causes Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea? Can snoring be treated? Q&A

    Read More