Kian Chung Ong

By Kian-Chung Ong

Part of the book: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

By Kian Chung Ong

Part of the book: A Compendium of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

By Kian Chung Ong

In recent years, advancements in surface electromyography (EMG) have facilitated the monitoring and measurement of respiration in clinical medicine. Adapting and developing surface EMG (sEMG) specifically for assessing the muscles of respiration non-invasively, without the use of needles or catheters, heralds a new clinical dimension in evaluating respiratory symptomatology and pathophysiology. Surface EMG may be applied for the evaluation of the activity of the diaphragm and other muscles of respiration, such as the intercostal, sternocleidomastoid, and scalene muscles. This serves essential and complex functions for quantification of dyspnea, respiratory drive and effort, as well as for determining the onset of respiratory muscle fatigue. The potential uses for a portable, non-invasive, and preferably wireless respiratory surface EMG device are myriad. However, further applicability of respiratory surface EMG is hindered by technological issues, such as optimal EMG sensor designs and the requisite EMG signal conditioning for the evaluation of respiratory muscle activity. There is abundant scope and need for further collaborative research between clinicians and researchers. This chapter summarizes the basic concepts, uses, and challenges involved in the application of respiratory surface EMG, especially in patients with chronic respiratory disorders, such as pulmonary emphysema.

Part of the book: Pulmonary Emphysema

By Kian Chung Ong and Earnest Arul

Part of the book: Pulmonary Emphysema

By Kian Chung Ong

Throughout the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, non-pharmacological interventions—including social distancing, reinforcement of hygiene practices, and the mandatory use of face masks—were adopted as precautionary strategies to mitigate the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). These measures demonstrated effectiveness in reducing viral spread, even before the development of passive or acquired immunity in the community. The widespread implementation of these interventions also led to significant changes in the case-transmission and hospitalization rates of non-COVID respiratory infections caused by established respiratory pathogens. Furthermore, disproportionate declines in hospitalization rates of non-COVID respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were reported from many countries during the pandemic, supporting the long-held belief that respiratory viral infections are largely responsible for exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and that the non-pharmacological interventions adopted during the pandemic can effectively reduce the hospitalization rates of this major illness. While further research is required to confirm the type and effectiveness of preventive interventions in reducing the hospitalization rates of respiratory diseases, observational data from the COVID-19 pandemic present a considerable case for advocating some ongoing measures of infection control aimed at reducing hospitalization for patients with chronic lung diseases and those at high risk of developing community-acquired pneumonia.

Part of the book: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

By Kian Chung Ong

Part of the book: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease