The tests are usually non-invasive and may involve breathing into a device (spirometer) at various intervals while following specific instructions. The tests generally take between 30 to 45 minutes.
You may be advised to avoid certain medications (like bronchodilators), refrain from smoking, and avoid heavy meals before the test.
These tests can help diagnose conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and other respiratory issues.
Common tests include spirometry, lung volume measurement, diffusion capacity testing, and peak flow measurement.
Lung function testing measures how well your lungs take in and expel air and how efficiently they transfer oxygen into the bloodstream.
If insomnia persists for several weeks or significantly impacts your daily life, seeking treatment from a sleep specialist like Dr. Kevin Chan can provide effective solutions to improve your sleep and quality of life.
CBT-I helps people with insomnia by changing the thoughts and behaviours that interfere with sleep. It’s a highly effective, drug-free approach to improving sleep patterns and overall well-being.
Insomnia is typically treated with cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which addresses negative sleep patterns, as well as lifestyle changes, sleep hygiene improvements, and, in some cases, medication.
Common causes of insomnia include stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, poor sleep habits, or underlying medical conditions. Certain medications can also trigger it.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or experience restful sleep, leading to daytime fatigue and other impairments.
While there is no cure for narcolepsy, the condition can be managed with a personalised treatment plan that helps control symptoms and improve quality of life.
Treatments may include lifestyle changes, medications to manage symptoms, and behavioural strategies to improve sleep quality and daytime functioning.
Narcolepsy is diagnosed through clinical evaluations and sleep studies that monitor your sleep patterns and rule out other sleep disorders.
The primary symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness), sleep paralysis (temporary inability to move), and vivid dreams or hallucinations during sleep transitions.
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles, causing excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden episodes of muscle weakness called cataplexy.
CPAP uses a machine that delivers air through a mask while you sleep, keeping your airways open. It’s a highly effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea and improves sleep quality.
Depending on your diagnosis, treatment options could include weight loss management, a mandibular advancement splint (MAS), positional therapy, or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
For an in-lab sleep study, you will arrive in the evening after you had dinner. Please bring sleepwear that is suitable for the sleep study, i.e. Tshirt, pyjamas, nightgown. Discharge time of the sleep laboratory is around 6am, so you can continue your day as per usual.
A home sleep study is a portable test that monitors your sleep in the comfort of your home. It records vital metrics such as airflow, respiratory effort, and blood oxygen levels, commonly used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Our technician can setup the equipment for you or you could chose to do it at home.
Polysomnography is an overnight sleep study performed in a sleep laboratory. Our technician will setup the equipment and will monitor you during the night. We will measure brain activity, breathing patterns, and other physiological parameters to diagnose conditions such as sleep apnoea and restless legs syndrome.
Yes, if appropriate, sleep specialists can prescribe CPAP machines and other treatments during a telehealth consultation.
If you have specific questions or concerns about telehealth for sleep apnoea, please give us a call on 1800 961 886
While telehealth consultations can provide guidance and preliminary assessments, a formal diagnosis often requires a sleep study, which may be conducted at home or in a lab.
During the consultation, you’ll discuss your symptoms, sleep patterns, medical history, and any treatments you may have tried. The provider may recommend a sleep study or adjustments to your treatment plan.
Yes, a referral from your GP is required to see a sleep specialist.
Telehealth for sleep apnoea involves remote consultations with Doctor Chan, including to assess and manage sleep apnoea using a phone or video consultation.
Yes, if untreated, sleep apnoea can lead to serious conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent these complications.
Treatments include lifestyle modifications, CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), oral appliances, and surgery to clear airway obstructions, depending on the severity of the condition.
Obstructive sleep apnoea is diagnosed through a sleep study, which monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep stages. This study can be conducted at a clinic or with home-based equipment.
Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, excessive daytime drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Left untreated, these symptoms can affect your overall health and well-being.
Sleep-disordered breathing refers to conditions that cause abnormal breathing during sleep, such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). These issues can lead to poor sleep and long-term health risks like heart disease and high blood pressure.
While many respiratory conditions, such as asthma and COPD, cannot be fully cured, they can be effectively managed with a comprehensive treatment plan to improve lung function and quality of life.
Asthma is diagnosed through lung function tests and a review of symptoms. Treatment usually involves using inhalers to control inflammation, prevent asthma attacks, and manage triggers.
COPD is managed through a combination of treatments, including medications, inhalers, lifestyle changes (such as quitting smoking), and pulmonary rehabilitation to improve lung function.
Symptoms include persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. These symptoms can affect your daily activities and may require medical intervention.
Respiratory medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the lungs and respiratory system, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and interstitial lung diseases.
Please notify us at least 24 hours in advance to avoid cancellation fees. We’ll be happy to help you find a new appointment time.
If you have any other questions or specific concerns, feel free to ask!
We are a private practice and therefore there might be out-of-pocket expenses.
Eligibility and levels of private health insurance can vary, so please check with your private healthcare provider.
Yes, you’ll need to complete a new patient forms that include your medical history, respiratory symptoms, and any relevant lifestyle information (e.g., smoking history).
The appointment will typically include a thorough medical history review, a physical examination, and possibly pulmonary function tests. We may also discuss your symptoms and any previous treatments.