Respiratory Function Testing Department
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Overview
Breathing is not only the source of life, it is linked to daily activities we often overlook such as sleep, mobility, and communication… When the airway functions well, it brings an optimal quality of life.
Understanding the importance of breathing for quality of life, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in general and the Respiratory Function Testing Department in particular continuously enhance the professional expertise of doctors, nurses, and the infrastructure and equipment for examination and treatment.
With the motto “Easy breathing, efficient work, quality life”, the Respiratory Function Testing Department will continue to intensify training, research, and scientific‑technical applications to help patients improve effectively, quickly return to normal life with a productive respiratory system that supports the whole body’s health.
Unit
Primary Sleep Disorder Form
Primary Allergy - Clinical Immunology Form
Strength
The Respiratory Function Test Department of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City is proud to be a trusted address for millions of people in the treatment of non‑communicable respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). On average, the department examines more than 2,000 patients each month. This includes about 1,500 spirometry cases and 28 polysomnography sleep studies.
At the same time, the Respiratory Function Test Department also intensifies research and specialized treatment of sleep disorders – a dangerous pathological symptom related to the airway but often overlooked. The Sleep Disorder Unit belonging to the Respiratory Function Test Department of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the pioneering units in researching and specialized treatment of sleep disorders and sleep apnea by applying polysomnography.
The use of polysomnography, combined with clinical examinations to identify the causes of reduced sleep quality and sleep apnea, helps patients receive the correct treatment direction and optimizes therapeutic efficacy. In addition, the Respiratory Function Test Department also supports patients in smoking cessation with scientific, appropriate treatment regimens, applying medication during the cessation process according to the level of dependence. According to statistics, the department has helped 1,000 smokers return to normal life each year, of which 70% do not relapse after treatment.
The department also actively collaborates with media agencies and health organizations in communication and warning, becoming a leading provider of core information systems for tobacco control. Regular programs organized on World No Tobacco Day, COPD Day, World Sleep Day, Spirometry Day and other events attract from 300 to 1,000 participants each time.
Training & Research
Not only achieving achievements in disease treatment, the Respiratory Function Test Department also boasts outstanding achievements in training, scientific research, management, cooperation and technology transfer. In the field of scientific research, the physicians and nurses of the Respiratory Function Test Department of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City have conducted many domestic and multinational studies.
In the field of training, the Respiratory Function Test Department continuously expands opportunities, providing conditions for physicians and nurses to continuously refine their skills and knowledge. Over many years, doctors in the department have been sent for further training in many developed countries such as Singapore, Japan, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Greece, France, Australia,…
In the field of scientific research, the physicians and nurses of the Respiratory Function Test Department of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City have carried out many domestic and multinational studies.
Specifically, the department has conducted 3 state‑level branch projects, 1 ministry‑level project, 3 city‑level projects and over 15 basic‑level projects, as well as 15 international papers with participation from editorial boards and scientific councils of many domestic and international specialist organizations. These studies have contributed to affirming the medical effectiveness of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City on the international medical stage in the fields of respiratory and sleep apnea.
In the field of cooperation and transfer, the department's asthma, COPD management system is a model that has been expanded to many units. By 2021, the asthma management network had developed to nearly 200 units across 45 provinces and cities and 15 units within the inner city of Ho Chi Minh City. The expansion of this system as well as many new breakthroughs in treatment have contributed to enhancing the effectiveness of examination and treatment and improving the quality of life of chronic respiratory patients.
Equipments
The Respiratory Function Test Department of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City is equipped with a system of medical supplies and modern machinery serving examination and treatment, research, as well as training. Some modern respiratory function testing equipment commonly used in the department include spirometry, FeNO analyzer, body plethysmography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) (in cooperation with the Cardiology Center).
Staff
As one of the leading specialties of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, the Respiratory Function Test Department has a team of staff with high professional qualifications and extensive experience in examining and treating practical diseases. The physicians working in the department are associate professors, doctors, masters, and specialists. Among them, many doctors are leading experts in respiratory. In addition, the nursing staff and technicians of the department are also highly regarded.