Respiratory Therapy

At SKH, our Respiratory Therapists provide services to the Intensive Care Units (ICU), High Dependency Units (HDU) to manage critically ill patients or to the general ward for patients who need less acute respiratory care and support. Our therapists work around the clock with the ICU team to cater to the respiratory and emergency requirements of patients. Our team of Respiratory Therapists are the frontline medical professionals responding to national emergencies and pandemics.

Respiratory therapy is of great help for patients who are struggling with lung and breathing-related problems. When the muscles in our lungs begin to deteriorate rapidly, this can lead to issues with breathing and not getting sufficient oxygen. Lung conditions are some of the most commonly seen conditions in elderly patients.

Respiratory therapy is a treatment approach that can help patients cope with breathing problems and lung diseases. It helps to boost breathing efficiency in those suffering from emphysema, pneumonia, bronchitis, and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is also a great treatment approach for patients who are simply struggling to breathe optimally. Our team of respiratory therapist will work hand-in-hand with our patients to manage symptoms, improve well-being, and bolster the quality of life.

Our Respiratory Therapists are also involved in outpatient services e.g., Sleep Disorders Unit, Respiratory Medicine clinic.  

Our Clinical Services

Our services offered include assessment and monitoring of natural and artificial airways, management of invasive and non-invasive ventilations and provision of medical gas therapy. Basic therapeutic respiratory care include (but not limited to)

• Oxygen therapy

Oxygen Therapy, also known as supplemental oxygen, is the use of oxygen as a form of medical treatment. This form of treatment is typically used to treat patients with low blood oxygen, carbon monoxide toxicity, cluster headaches and to maintain enough oxygen while inhaled anaesthetics are given.

• Aerosol therapy

Aerosol therapy, is a technique of administering medication directly to the lungs. It is used to treat a variety of breathing conditions. The delivery of medication particles carried by inhaled gases, constitutes the cornerstone of chronic broncho-dilatory and anti-inflammatory therapy for patients suffering from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These medications are often used to relax the muscles in the airway to make breathing easier (decrease wheezing), or they are used to fight infections. It is associated with improved long-term patient-centred outcomes. Conditions that might require Aerosol Therapy include asthma, bronchitis and cystic fibrosis.

 

Tracheostomy care

A Tracheostomy is an opening made by an incision through the neck into the trachea (windpipe). A tracheostomy can be done in an emergency, at the patient’s bedside or in an operating room. It opens the airway and aids breathing for the patient through a tracheostomy tube which will be inserted into the opening. Conditions that might lead your doctor to the decision to do a Tracheostomy include obstruction of the mouth and throat, long-term reliance on a ventilator, airway protection after head or neck surgery, and more.

 

Mechanical Ventilation

• Acute Mechanical Ventilation
• Long-term Mechanical Ventilation
• Acute Non-Invasive Ventilation
• Chronic Non-Invasive Ventilation

Assisting in acute and emergency procedures

• Bronchoscopy
• Intubation
• Resuscitation of patients with cardio-respiratory collapse
• Percutaneous tracheostomy

  Assisting in the transfer of patients on mechanical ventilation in the hospital  

How Does Respiratory Therapy Work?

Ultimately, respiratory therapy is geared towards helping patients to breathe as comfortably as possible in light of their unique circumstances. A respiratory therapist may administer medications, assess lung capacity and determine impairment, assess vital signs, and assist in rehabilitation activities tailored to each client’s condition.

What is a respiratory therapist?

A respiratory therapist helps patients who are having difficulty breathing. Respiratory therapists work under the direction of doctors and treat a range of patients. They give patients oxygen, manage ventilators, and administer drugs to the lungs.

When do you need to see a respiratory therapist?

If you are experiencing problems with your lungs and breath, your primary care physician, paediatrician, or emergency room doctor will let you know if you need a respiratory therapist. Respiratory therapists help improve outcomes for people with asthma, pneumonia, emphysema, lung trauma, and other diseases and conditions. By assessing your breathing and creating a treatment plan, they work to guide you on your journey to better health.

What is intubation?

Intubation is the process of inserting a tube, called an endotracheal tube (ET), through the mouth and then into a patient’s airway. This has to be done whenever a patient has to be placed on a ventilator to assist with breathing, which can be during anaesthesia, sedation or severe breathing problems.