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lung specialist Singapore

Lung Specialist in Singapore

Dr Harish Mithiran, a seasoned lung specialist in Singapore, is passionate about delivering world-class patient care. He brings a wealth of experience in respiratory medicine to patients. He specialises in treating patients with diverse lung and chest conditions.

Dr Harish received advanced medical training in Canada and at the National University of Singapore and stays up to date on the latest in lung care. His commitment to his patients and meticulous approach to diagnosis and treatment make him one of Singapore’s best lung specialists and thoracic surgeons.

He brings decades of clinical experience in pulmonary care, the latest treatment approaches, and, more importantly, empathy for his patients to his private practice at Neumark Lung & Chest Surgery Centre.

Patients typically arrive through GP referrals or direct consultation. Whether you’re seeing a lung specialist for the first time or seeking a second opinion, at Neumark, the process begins with a thorough assessment with Dr Harish, either at the Gleneagles Hospital on Napier Road or at Mount Alvernia Hospital on Thomson Road.

What Is Respiratory Medicine?

Respiratory medicine encompasses a wide range of conditions that affect the airways and lungs, from common conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to more complex conditions such as interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer. Singapore’s environmental factors, including haze and high urban density, create unique challenges for respiratory health.

As a lung specialist doctor and thoracic surgeon, Dr Harish is also a highly trained respiratory physician. He knows that no two respiratory conditions are the same. Good pulmonary care requires attention to each patient’s circumstances, and the key to successful treatment is a comprehensive assessment and individualised care strategies. His team of respiratory specialists collaborates to deliver the highest standard of care for complex lung diseases.

Respiratory Conditions

lung specialist in Singapore

Asthma

Asthma is a long-term lung condition that causes the airways in your lungs to become inflamed and narrowed. When that happens, you can suddenly feel wheezy, short of breath, or have a tight feeling across your chest, and you often cough a lot, especially at night or first thing in the morning. Different things can set it off, such as pollen or dust, running around, cold weather, or even a common cold. For most, the primary treatment is an inhaler that either keeps inflammation under control day to day or quickly opens the airways when you feel tight. With the right medicines and a clear plan from your doctor, the majority of patients with asthma live completely normal everyday lives and hardly notice it most of the time.

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a long-term lung condition in which parts of the lung’s breathing tubes have become permanently stretched and scarred, usually from past serious infections, such as repeated chest infections in childhood or an old episode of tuberculosis. As the airways are wider and floppy, mucus doesn’t clear properly. That stagnant mucus becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, so patients get frequent chest infections with lots of thick, yellow or green phlegm, bad coughs that can last weeks, and often feel tired and wheezy between flare-ups. There’s no way to reverse the damage, but the condition can be kept under reasonable control.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is a long-term lung condition that usually develops after years of smoking, though heavy exposure to fumes or dust can also cause it in non-smokers. Over time, the airways become scarred, and the tiny air sacs lose their elasticity, so air becomes trapped in the lungs, making breathing out progressively more challenging. Most patients notice a smoker’s cough that never quite goes away, lots of phlegm every morning, and getting tired doing things that used to be easy, like climbing stairs or walking to the bus stop. There is no cure yet, but the disease can be slowed significantly with treatment.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lung grow out of control and form a tumour that can spread. Smoking is the leading cause, but in Singapore, we now see many lifelong non-smokers (especially women) get it due to gene changes like EGFR. Common warning signs include a cough that won’t clear, coughing up blood, chest pain, losing weight without an apparent reason, or feeling breathless easily. Lung cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Early cases can often be cured with keyhole surgery (VATS/RATS). Later stages use targeted drugs, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy. New medicines have dramatically improved survival for many patients across age groups.

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Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that settles deep in the lungs, usually caused by bacteria, sometimes by a virus, and occasionally by fungi. The tiny air sacs where oxygen enters the blood fill with pus and fluid, preventing the lungs from functioning correctly. You will become unwell quite quickly, with symptoms such as a high fever, shivering, a cough that brings up yellow or green phlegm, sharp chest pains when you breathe or cough, and struggling to catch your breath. Most patients get better with a course of antibiotics (if it’s bacterial) and plenty of rest and fluids at home. In more serious cases, especially in older adults or those with other health problems, the oxygen level drops, and hospital treatment with more potent antibiotics via a drip and oxygen becomes necessary.

Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs, though it can spread to other parts of the body. You typically notice a cough that drags on for weeks (often bringing up phlegm or blood), fever in the evenings, drenching night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and feeling tired for most of the day. Tuberculosis is still around in Singapore, even if it’s less common than before. The good news is that it’s entirely curable with the right antibiotics, if appropriately taken for at least 6 months.

Pleural Conditions

respiratory disease lung specialist

Malignant Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare but serious cancer of the lining around the lung, almost always linked to asbestos exposure from decades earlier, making it common in older patients who worked in shipyards, construction or factories. It grows slowly at first, then causes persistent chest-wall pain, ongoing breathlessness, cough, and weight loss. Treatment can involve major surgery to remove the affected lining and lung (if caught early enough), chemotherapy, and sometimes radiotherapy. Sadly, the disease is complex to cure, and the focus is often on quality of life and symptom control. Early specialist review gives the best chance of accessing newer clinical trials and supportive care.

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Parapneumonic Effusion

When pneumonia spreads slightly beyond the lung tissue, fluid often collects in the space around the lung. Most of the time, this is sterile and settles with antibiotics alone. If bacteria get into the fluid, it thickens into pus or an empyema, and the lung becomes trapped, leading to breathlessness and fevers. Acting quickly, usually within a day or two of noticing the problem, clears the infection properly and prevents the lung from becoming scarred or stuck. We place a small chest tube (sometimes guided by ultrasound) to drain the pus and give strong antibiotics through a drip.

Pleural Effusion

This is when extra fluid builds up in the thin space between the lung and the chest wall, squashing the lung and making every breath feel heavy. Other conditions, such as pneumonia, heart failure, tuberculosis, or cancer, usually cause this. Patients notice worsening breathlessness (especially when lying flat) and a dull chest ache. We typically drain the fluid with a needle or small tube under local anaesthetic, often as a day procedure at Gleneagles or Mount Alvernia hospitals, and then send the fluid for tests to identify and treat the underlying cause.

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Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)

A pneumothorax happens when air escapes into the space around the lung, forcing it to collapse like a punctured balloon. It can happen unexpectedly in tall, thin young men, or it can follow an injury, severe asthma or COPD. You will feel a sudden, sharp pain on one side of the chest and quickly become short of breath. Small pneumothorax sometimes heals on its own with rest and oxygen. Larger ones need a tube placed between the ribs to suck air out and let the lung re-expand. Most people are back to normal within days to a week.

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Tuberculous Pleural Effusion

TB can quietly inflame just the thin lining around the lung rather than the lung itself. Fluid builds up, pressing on the lung and causing chest pain that hurts more when you breathe, fever, a dry cough, and slowly worsening shortness of breath. We drain the fluid with a needle or small tube (often done as an outpatient or one-night stay at Gleneagles or Mount Alvernia hospitals) and send it for TB tests. Once confirmed, the same six-month anti-TB tablets that are used for lung TB work perfectly well. Most patients feel much better within a few weeks and make a full recovery.

Interstitial and Fibrotic Lung Diseases

Interstitial and Fibrotic Lung disease specialist

Autoimmune-Related Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Disease

This is lung scarring and inflammation as complications of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma. The immune system attacks the lung tissue, causing progressive damage. Treatment is usually immunosuppressive meds coordinated with rheumatologists, plus symptom management and monitoring for disease progression.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

This progressive disease causes permanent scarring of lung tissue with no known cause, and usually affects people over 60. The scarred tissue becomes thick and stiff, making it harder for oxygen to get in. Patients get increasing breathlessness and a dry cough. There’s no cure, but newer meds can slow it down, and oxygen therapy can improve quality of life.

Interstitial Lung Disease

This is a group of disorders that cause inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue between the air sacs. Causes include autoimmune diseases, occupational exposures, certain meds, and sometimes the cause is unknown. Symptoms are progressive breathlessness and a dry cough. Diagnosis requires imaging, lung function tests and sometimes a lung biopsy. Treatment depends on the type and the underlying cause.

Occupational Lung Disease (Pneumoconiosis)

This form of lung damage is caused by long-term inhalation of specific workplace dust. Examples of contaminants include silicosis (from silica dust in construction or mining) and asbestosis (from asbestos fibres in shipbuilding or insulation work). Prevention is key through workplace safety, as damage is irreversible. Treatment is symptomatic and involves preventing further exposure. Monitoring is essential to maintain optimal lung function and slow disease progression.

Vascular Lung Conditions

vascular lung specialist

Pulmonary Embolism

This is a blood clot that travels through the bloodstream and gets stuck in a lung artery, blocking blood flow. Risk factors are prolonged immobility, recent surgery, cancer and clotting disorders. Symptoms range from sudden breathlessness and chest pain to life-threatening cardiovascular collapse in massive cases. Treatment is anticoagulation (blood-thinning meds) to prevent clot growth and allow natural dissolution.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Abnormally high blood pressure in the lung arteries can make the right side of the heart work harder. Causes are chronic lung disease, heart conditions, blood clots, and sometimes there is no clear cause. Patients get progressive breathlessness, fatigue, chest pain and leg swelling. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include specific pulmonary vasodilator meds, oxygen therapy and in severe cases, lung transplantation.

Airway and Structural Disorders

airway and structural disorders lung specialist

Chest Wall Disorders

These disorders are structural abnormalities of the ribs, sternum or spine that can restrict lung expansion and breathing. Severe cases can cause respiratory failure or recurrent chest infections. Examples are severe scoliosis (spinal curvature) or pectus excavatum (sunken chest). Treatment may include physiotherapy, non-invasive ventilation, or surgical correction, depending on severity and functional impact.

Chronic Cough

Any cough that lasts more than 8 weeks is considered chronic and can affect your quality of life. Common causes include post-nasal drip, asthma, gastro-oesophageal reflux, and, sometimes, chronic bronchitis. Investigations may include chest imaging, lung function tests, and specific treatment trials. Management targets the underlying cause, which may require coordination between respiratory, ENT and gastroenterology specialists.

Mediastinal Tumours

These are growths or tumours in the mediastinum, the central chest compartment that contains the heart, major blood vessels, oesophagus and lymph nodes. These can be benign (thymic cysts or enlarged lymph nodes) or malignant (lymphomas or germ cell tumours). Symptoms depend on size and location and can cause cough, chest pain or breathlessness. Diagnosis requires imaging and often biopsy; treatment ranges from observation to surgery or chemotherapy.

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Critical Respiratory Conditions

critical respiratory care

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

ARDS is a life-threatening condition in which severe inflammation causes fluid to leak into the lungs, leading to a drop in oxygen levels. Triggers are severe pneumonia, sepsis, major trauma or aspiration. The damaged lungs cannot oxygenate blood despite high oxygen supplementation, and treatment requires mechanical ventilation in the ICU. Supportive measures are provided while the lungs heal, and management of the underlying cause is essential. Recovery can take weeks to months.

Severe Sepsis with Respiratory Failure

This life-threatening condition occurs when overwhelming infection causes widespread inflammation affecting multiple organs, including severe lung dysfunction. The lungs fill with fluid, oxygen levels drop to critical levels, and mechanical ventilation is required. Treatment requires an ICU with antibiotics, fluid management and organ support. Despite advances in critical care, severe sepsis carries a significant mortality risk. Prevention and early recognition are key.

Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

OSA is caused by repeated collapse of the upper airway during sleep, leading to breathing pauses and starts throughout the night. The tongue or soft tissues block airflow, causing oxygen drops and sleep fragmentation. Patients get loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, excessive daytime sleepiness and morning headaches. Diagnosis through our snoring expert partners will require a sleep study. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy treats most cases by keeping airways open during sleep.
sleep-related breathing lung specialist
lung specialist clinic

Diagnostic Facilities at Neumark Lung & Chest Surgery Centre

At Neumark, we use the latest tests to work out precisely what is going on with your lungs. You’ll usually have a full breathing test in the lung specialist clinic to see how strong your lungs are. We then arrange a high-resolution CT scan, which gives a much clearer picture than a normal chest X-ray. If we need to look inside the airways or take tiny samples, we do a bronchoscopy, which uses a flexible camera through the mouth while you’re comfortably sedated. For deeper evaluation, such as checking lymph nodes or suspicious spots, we use endobronchial ultrasound. It’s minimally invasive and a bit more precise.

Our multidisciplinary lung specialist team provides comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services for a range of pulmonary conditions. These diagnostic facilities enable Dr Harish to evaluate a range of respiratory issues from chronic coughs associated with lung cancer to suspicious nodules detected on routine imaging.

Thoracic Surgical Expertise

Dr Harish’s practice includes a wide range of advanced procedures, ranging from minimally invasive Robotic Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS) to Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) to complex resections for lung cancer. These minimally invasive approaches offer patients less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recoveries compared to open surgery.

RATS provides more precision and dexterity through robotic arms controlled by the surgeon, particularly useful for complex anatomical cases.

VATS allows the surgeon to operate through small incisions using a camera and special instruments. This is suitable for lung biopsies, lobectomies and pleurectomy procedures.

Uniportal VATS (U-VATS) performed through a single small incision may offer further cosmetic and recovery benefits.

Ultimately, the goal is to preserve lung function wherever possible. “It’s not just about fixing the immediate problem”, Dr Harish says, “but about maintaining optimal respiratory capacity for the patient’s long-term quality of life”. While minimally invasive techniques offer many benefits, not all patients are suitable. Tumour size, location and spread influence the surgical approach. Dr Harish will discuss all options, including potential risks such as bleeding, infection, or air leaks, during your consultation.

Respiratory Condition Management

Beyond surgery, Neumark helps to manage acute and chronic respiratory conditions. Patients with asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis and other ongoing pulmonary conditions benefit from his holistic approach to care, which combines medical therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation and lifestyle modifications.

For patients with complex conditions such as pulmonary hypertension or interstitial lung disease, Dr Harish coordinates the multidisciplinary care with other specialists, including cardiologists, rheumatologists, and other practitioners, to manage these conditions. This coordinated approach ensures patients receive comprehensive care rather than fragmented treatment from disconnected medical care providers.

Preventive Care in Respiratory Health

Neumark offers a range of preventive measures, including comprehensive lung function tests to detect respiratory conditions early. For individuals at higher risk due to smoking history or occupational exposures, screening programmes can identify problems before symptoms develop.

Neumark also provides guidance on healthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking cessation programmes and reducing exposure to environmental pollutants to lower the risk of lung disease. By being proactive, patients can reduce their chances of getting respiratory illnesses and keep their lungs healthy and functional. Preventive care today is a step towards long-term respiratory health for your future.

Neumark Lung & Chest Surgery Centre (Gleneagles Hospital)
6 Napier Road
#02-09 Gleneagles Medical Centre
Singapore 258499

Call: +65 6908 2145
WhatsApp: +65 9726 2485
Email: info@neumarksurgery.com

Clinic Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
Sunday: Closed

Neumark Lung & Chest Surgery Centre (Mount Alvernia Hospital)
820 Thomson Road
#06-07 Medical Centre A
Singapore 574623

Call: +65 6908 2145
WhatsApp: +65 9726 2485
Email: info@neumarksurgery.com

Clinic Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
Sunday: Closed

Singapore’s Lung Cancer Challenge

Lung cancer is one of Singapore’s most significant health risks, and Dr Harish has dedicated a lot of time to its prevention, early detection and treatment. Early intervention makes a big difference, so he stresses the importance of screening for high-risk individuals and checking for symptoms such as a persistent cough, haemoptysis (coughing blood), or unexplained weight loss.

For patients with lung cancer, Neumark offers the latest treatment options, including minimally invasive surgery, targeted therapies and integration with oncological care. “The landscape of lung cancer treatment has changed dramatically in the last few years, with more never-smoker diagnoses than ever before ”, he says. “But thankfully, patients today have more effective and less invasive options than ever”.

cancer lung specialist in Singapore
respiratory specialist Singapore

Patient-Centred Respiratory Care

When patients understand their condition and are involved in treatment decisions, they get better outcomes and more peace of mind. At Neumark, the team is trained to provide supportive, concerned care from the first appointment through every follow-up visit.

Referrals to lung specialist services at Neumark begin with a detailed consultation, where patients can discuss their concerns in a comfortable, relaxed setting. We understand that you may be worried when you come to us with respiratory symptoms. That’s why our clinicians take the time to explain conditions, treatment options, and expected outcomes, making them among the best lung specialists in Singapore for patient-centred care.

Research and Training

Beyond his clinical work, Dr Harish contributes to advancing respiratory medicine through participating in clinical trials and publishing in peer-reviewed medical journals, bringing new treatments to Singapore’s respiratory patients.

As an educator, he trains the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons and lung specialists, sharing his knowledge and clinical experience with medical students and respiratory medicine trainees. This ensures that Singapore’s already high standards in pulmonary care will continue to improve.

respiratory specialist in Singapore

See a Respiratory Specialist

Do you have respiratory symptoms or need a lung check-up? Talk to Dr Harish Mithiran, a lung specialist at Gleneagles or Mount Alvernia hospitals. Whether you’re looking for specialised care for a chronic cough, pneumothorax or lung cancer, Neumark is the benchmark for pulmonary care in Singapore, focusing on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and the preservation of lung function.

Book an appointment with Dr Harish today or find out more about the services. Your lungs deserve the best lung specialist in Singapore.
SCHEDULE CONSULTATION

Call: +65 6908 2145

WhatsApp: +65 9726 2485

Email: info@neumarksurgery.com

NEUMARK LUNG & CHEST SURGERY CENTRE

Gleneagles Medical Centre
6 Napier Road
#02-09 Gleneagles Medical Centre
Singapore 258499

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Mount Alvernia Hospital
820 Thomson Road
#06-07 Medical Centre A
Singapore 574623

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