Dr. Edgar Seng Teong Lau

As a Respirologist, Dr. Edgar Seng Teong Lau diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Airway Diseases

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Helping patients manage symptoms of chronic cough, sputum production, and dyspnea associated with COPD.
• Bronchiectasis: Managing this chronic condition where damage to the airways causes them to widen and become scarred, leading to recurrent infections and mucus buildup.
• Emphysema: Managing this lung condition where the air sacs (alveoli) are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness.

Pleural Diseases

• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Providing follow-up care and management after a pneumothorax (air in the pleural space causing lung collapse) to ensure resolution and prevent recurrence.
• Pleural Effusion: Performing diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis to remove fluid and identify underlying conditions like infection, heart failure, or malignancy.
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Specialized care for a complex form of interstitial lung disease leading to irreversible lung damage.
• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Managing the lung involvement of sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomas in various organs.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Diagnosing and treating lung inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled organic dusts, molds, or chemicals.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Lau, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: Thorough assessment of respiratory health, including detailed medical history, physical examination, and review of previous tests and imaging.
• COPD Management and Education: Multifaceted approach to managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, focusing on symptom relief, smoking cessation, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
• Asthma Management and Education: Ongoing management and support for individuals living with asthma of all severities.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Managing long-term oxygen therapy to improve exercise tolerance, reduce breathlessness, and enhance overall well-being.
• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Diagnosis and treatment of various lung infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal pneumonia, and coordination of follow-up care.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Lau. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any test or treatment depends on individual assessment and referral. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Edgar Seng Teong Lau adhere to the scope of practice for Respirologists in BC and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At Dr. Edgar Seng Teong Lau's practice, the primary aim is to work collaboratively with you to manage your respiratory condition effectively, improve your breathing, and enhance your overall quality of life. Dr. Lau frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Lau often consults with patients whose difficulty clearing mucus from their lungs significantly limits their enjoyment of returning to work or engaging in hobbies they enjoy or impacts their well-being. The clear goal of care is to achieve an improved overall quality of life despite living with a chronic lung condition and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• With Dr. Lau's compassionate and skilled respiratory care, managing pain in their chest, especially when they take a deep breath or cough is focused on achieving their child experiencing fewer asthma attacks and participating more fully in activities. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to sleeping soundly through the night and waking up feeling refreshed without severe breathing concerns.
• Dr. Lau provides dedicated support for patients going through needing guidance on how to use their inhalers or CPAP machine correctly, always aiming for positive outcomes like achieving better control of their asthma or COPD symptoms, with fewer flare-ups, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as concentrating better at work or school without distraction from respiratory symptoms.
• Are you struggling with getting frequent lung infections like bronchitis or pneumonia? Dr. Lau partners with patients to target being able to travel or engage in hobbies that were previously limited by breathlessness, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as participating in gentle exercises or a pulmonary rehabilitation program a much more achievable reality.

Your personalized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Lau, will be tailored to address your specific respiratory needs and health goals. Dr. Lau is dedicated to providing expert care and empowering patients with the knowledge and tools to achieve their best possible respiratory health.

Dr. Lau's respiratory clinic in Richmond is situated in the Central Richmond (City Centre North) neighborhood. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU Richmond) and is easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Canada Line, Bus). Patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Lau recommend them?

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a group of non-invasive breathing tests that measure how well the lungs are working. They assess lung volume (how much air the lungs can hold), airflow rates (how quickly air can be moved in and out), and gas exchange (how well oxygen moves from the lungs into the blood). Dr. Lau might recommend PFTs to help diagnose conditions like asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or to assess the severity of a known lung disease, monitor its progression, or evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Common PFTs include spirometry, lung volume measurement, and diffusing capacity tests.

What are some common conditions a Respirologist like Dr. Lau treats?

Respirologists like Dr. Lau treat a wide range of conditions affecting the lungs and breathing. Some common examples include asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis), pneumonia and other lung infections, sleep apnea, interstitial lung diseases (like pulmonary fibrosis), pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs), and they are often involved in the diagnosis of lung cancer. Dr. Lau focuses on diagnosing and managing a wide spectrum of disorders affecting breathing and lung health.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Respirologist (Pulmonologist) like Dr. Lau?

In British Columbia, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Lau for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Lau has the necessary background medical information. If you believe you need a respiratory assessment, please speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Lau at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Lau will typically involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the nature and timeline of your current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms impact your daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Lau will then perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the respiratory system (listening to the lungs, observing breathing patterns). Any prior imaging (Chest X-rays, CT scans) or test results (like PFTs) will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Lau will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations (like PFTs, sleep study, or bronchoscopy if needed), and will outline potential treatment options, working with you to establish health goals.

Can Dr. Lau help manage chronic conditions like asthma or COPD?

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Lau are experts in the long-term management of chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis). After a thorough assessment, Dr. Lau develops a personalized management plan. This may include prescribing appropriate inhaler medications (relievers and controllers), educating patients on correct inhaler technique, developing action plans for flare-ups, advising on trigger avoidance, recommending smoking cessation programs, and coordinating pulmonary rehabilitation if beneficial. The goal is to optimize symptom control, reduce exacerbations, improve lung function, and enhance overall quality of life.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Lau covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC)?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Respirologist like Dr. Lau are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, provided you have a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic tests like PFTs and bronchoscopies ordered by a specialist are also usually covered. However, some specific treatments, devices (e.g., CPAP machines, some specialized inhalers), or medications may not be fully covered or may have co-payments depending on provincial formularies and private insurance. It's always best to inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with your private insurance, if any.

What does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Lau do?

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Lau is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases and conditions of the lungs and respiratory system. This includes conditions like asthma, COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis), pneumonia, lung cancer, sleep apnea, interstitial lung diseases, and pleural diseases. Their goal is to improve respiratory health, alleviate symptoms like shortness of breath and cough, and enhance the quality of life for people with breathing problems. They use various diagnostic tools like pulmonary function tests and bronchoscopy, and treatments including medications, inhalers, oxygen therapy, and management of devices like CPAP machines.

365-7031 Westminster Hwy
Richmond, BC, V6X 1A3

Phone: (604) 270-3760

Dr. Edgar Seng Teong Lau is a licensed Respirologist in BC, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

License Number: 5654

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/305580/Lau%2CEdgar

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is typically required to see Dr. Lau. Dr. Lau and the team are dedicated to providing comprehensive respiratory care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or severe difficulty breathing, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.