Pneumonia: Treatment and Prevention

Although deadly, pneumonia can be treated when detected early. It can also be prevented through measures like good personal hygiene, practicing frequent hand washing with soap, and getting vaccinated.

"Pneumonia is diagnosed with the help of a physical exam, blood tests, sputum test and a chest x-ray. Treatment is most effective when the condition is diagnosed early. Patients who have mild community-acquired pneumonia are typically treated at home with oral medication, e.g. antibiotics, anti-viral drugs, cough medicine, fever and pain relievers. Rest and a balanced diet can help patients recover. However, more severe infection will require hospitalisation," says Assoc Prof Loo Chian Min, Senior Consultant from the ​Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth​ group.

With many consumers now using smart devices to keep tabs on their personal fitness levels and even vital signs, it is high time to harness technology to do even more for patients and clinicians. Benedict Tan, Group Chief Digital Strategy Officer of SingHealth, shares more on his vision for the future of healthcare and four essential strategies of digital transformation. Read more.

A new type of ankle surgery, known as the lateral total ankle replacement surgery, is now available at Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) for patients aged over 60 with severe ankle arthritis. Instead of the traditional incision at the front of the ankle, the new method involves accessing the ankle with a lateral approach. This method avoids important blood vessels and nerves at the front of the ankle, lowers the risk of post-surgical complications, and offers better joint motion after surgery. Read more.