Chronic Cough, Asthma, and more: Understanding Respiratory Care in Singapore
- Mar 2
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
An interview with: Dr Lim Hui Fang | MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Internal Medicine), MRCP (UK), FRCP (Edin), FAMS (Respiratory Medicine), FAMS (Intensive Care Medicine)
Respiratory Physician, Internist and Intensivist at The Respiratory Practice, Singapore
Respiratory Care in Singapore
Breathing is something most people take for granted, until it becomes difficult. In Singapore, respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic cough, recurrent infections, and lung diseases affect people across all ages. These conditions may impact sleep, exercise tolerance, work performance, and overall quality of life.
To better understand what comprehensive respiratory care involves, we spoke with Dr Lim Hui Fang, a respiratory physician, internist and intensivist at The Respiratory Practice. Her approach focuses on careful diagnosis, multidisciplinary care, and long-term management of complex airway and lung conditions.
What You Will Learn in This Interview
Watch the Interview
Audio version coming soon on PodBean
You can also read the full transcript here
Managing Chronic and Complex Airway Conditions
Many patients seen by a respiratory physician live with long-term conditions such as asthma or bronchiectasis. These conditions may fluctuate, with periods of stability interrupted by flare-ups.
Dr Lim reflects, “We see a variety of patients ranging from mild to very severe. Typically see patients with chronic coughs that can be related to asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease bronchiectasis, lung fibrosis, etc.”
Her clinical interests include severe and complex asthma, where symptoms may persist despite standard treatment. After completing a severe asthma research fellowship at McMaster University in Canada, Dr Lim returned to Singapore and started a multidisciplinary Complex Airway Clinic, bringing together different specialties to support patients with challenging airway diseases.
Early Detection and Lung Health Monitoring
Another key area of Dr Lim’s clinical interest is early lung cancer detection. Lung disease may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, especially among individuals with risk factors such as smoking history or long-term environmental exposure.
“We also see patients who are heavy smokers so we offer lung cancer screening by risk profiling them and performing CT lung screening as required.” Dr Lim states.
Discussions around screening are tailored to individual risk profiles and medical history.
Services at The Respiratory Practice
Patients consult a respiratory physician in Singapore for a wide range of concerns, from persistent cough to complex lung disease requiring ongoing monitoring.
At The Respiratory Practice, care commonly includes:
Conditions assessed and managed
Asthma and severe asthma
Bronchiectasis and chronic airway disease
Pneumonia and recurrent chest infections
Chronic cough and unexplained breathlessness
Lung nodules and early lung cancer assessment
Diagnostic and management services
Comprehensive respiratory consultations
Lung function testing and imaging review
Long-term management of chronic respiratory disease
Coordination of care for complex airway conditions
Care plans are individualised, evidence-based, and adjusted over time according to clinical response.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Many patients seek specialist review after ongoing respiratory symptoms or abnormal findings on imaging or lung tests.
Before the Appointment
Prepare a list of respiratory symptoms and triggers
Note previous lung conditions, hospital admissions, medication and medical history
Bring past imaging reports or lung function test and blood test results if available
“So I will review what has been done already and then ask the patient to then proceed with a lung function test to see [...] what is the current lung function status, and then followed by a detailed consultation with physical evaluation." Dr Lim states.
Dr. Lim also stresses that a referral is not necessary to schedule a consult and patients may seek for care as soon as they deem it necessary or beneficial to do so.
During the Consultation
The visit typically includes a detailed history, physical examination, and review of investigations.
Dr. Lim then proceeds to conduct necessary examination and history checking in order to provide proper care and/or prescription to the patient.
Meet Dr Lim Hui Fang
Dr Lim Hui Fang is a Respiratory Physician, Internist and Intensivist at The Respiratory Practice. She obtained her MBBS (Singapore) in 2003 and completed advanced specialist training in respiratory and intensive care medicine.
She previously served as Senior Consultant at the National University Hospital and undertook a severe asthma research fellowship at McMaster University, Canada. Her work includes clinical care, research, and the development of multidisciplinary services for patients with complex airway diseases.
Her approach emphasises patient education, careful monitoring, and coordinated care across different stages of respiratory illness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At what point should you see a respiratory specialist like Dr Lim Hui Fang?
You may consider seeing a respiratory specialist in Singapore if you experience ongoing breathing issues, persistent cough, unexplained shortness of breath, or repeated chest infections that do not improve with usual care. Early evaluation can help identify underlying causes and guide appropriate next steps.
How can I tell if my cough needs specialist attention?
A cough that lasts more than a few weeks, is associated with wheezing, breathlessness, fatigue, or occurs recurrently despite treatment may benefit from assessment by a respiratory specialist. If the cough affects daily activities or sleep, an evaluation can help clarify the cause.
What triggers asthma flare-ups?
Common asthma triggers include allergens like dust mites or pollen, respiratory infections, cold air, smoke, strong odours and physical exertion. Identifying your individual triggers can help guide management and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
When should someone be concerned about shortness of breath?
Shortness of breath that comes on suddenly, is severe, or worsens with minimal activity should be evaluated promptly. Persistent or recurrent breathlessness where it limits everyday tasks also warrants an assessment by a respiratory clinician.
What should I expect at my first respiratory consultation with Dr Lim Hui Fang?
At your first visit, Dr Lim Hui Fang will take a detailed history, discuss your symptoms and any breathing patterns, and perform relevant examinations. This helps determine the likely contributors to your condition and guides recommendations for follow-up care or further tests if appropriate.
Clinic Overview
The Respiratory Practice Singapore (Farrer Park Medical Centre)
1 Farrer Park Station Rd, #12-08 Farrer Park Medical Centre, Singapore 217562
Phone: +65 6444 2448
Website: https://o2healthcaregroup.com/
Operating Hours
Monday to Friday 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM
Saturday 9.00 AM to 12.00 PM
Sunday Closed
Disclaimer
This interview is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice. Patients should consult a qualified dermatologist in Singapore for personalised care.
