Dr. Susan Yuk-Lin Kwan

As a Respirologist, Dr. Susan Yuk-Lin Kwan diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Diagnosing and treating lung inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled organic dusts, molds, or chemicals.
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Diagnosing and managing this chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs with no known cause.
• Other Interstitial Lung Diseases: Comprehensive diagnostic workup and tailored management for diverse conditions causing diffuse lung scarring and inflammation.

Lung Infections

• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Managing the lung-related aspects of this infectious bacterial disease.
• Pneumonia: Addressing acute lung infections to ensure proper recovery and prevent complications.
• Bronchitis (Acute): Differentiating from chronic bronchitis and providing symptomatic relief for short-term airway inflammation.

Airway Diseases

• Asthma: Developing personalized asthma action plans to control symptoms and prevent exacerbations.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Treating progressive lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.
• Bronchiectasis: Managing this chronic condition where damage to the airways causes them to widen and become scarred, leading to recurrent infections and mucus buildup.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleural Effusion: Performing diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis to remove fluid and identify underlying conditions like infection, heart failure, or malignancy.
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.

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

• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: Performing flexible bronchoscopy to directly visualize the airways, obtain biopsies, and collect samples for diagnosing lung infections, inflammation, or cancer.
• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Interpretation: Expert interpretation of a full range of pulmonary function tests (spirometry, lung volumes, diffusing capacity, bronchoprovocation) to assess lung health and diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Ensuring appropriate use and settings for home oxygen therapy.
• Pleural Effusion Management: Investigating and treating conditions leading to fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Kwan. 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. Susan Yuk-Lin Kwan 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. Susan Yuk-Lin Kwan'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. Kwan frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• When a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis and needing specialized care begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Kwan helps patients strive for quitting smoking and improving their overall lung health outlook. This makes participating in activities such as going on outings with family and friends without constant worry about their breathing a pleasant and possible experience again.
• Dr. Kwan often consults with patients whose difficulty clearing mucus from their lungs significantly limits their enjoyment of carrying light loads without feeling severely winded or impacts their well-being. The clear goal of care is to achieve a significant reduction in their chronic cough or wheezing and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• For patients where pain in their chest, especially when they take a deep breath or cough is a primary concern, Dr. Kwan focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in being able to travel or engage in hobbies that were previously limited by breathlessness. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully laughing heartily without triggering a coughing fit or severe breathlessness.
• Dr. Kwan understands that dealing with snoring very loudly, choking or gasping for air during sleep, and feeling tired all day can be challenging. That's why her treatment plans are geared towards achieving learning effective techniques to manage their breathing and clear their airways, helping patients comfortably get back to traveling by car or plane with greater comfort and feeling their best.

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

Dr. Kwan's respiratory clinic in Burnaby is situated in the Central Burnaby, BCIT Area neighborhood of Burnaby. The clinic is conveniently located near Burnaby City Hall and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium Lines, Bus). Information regarding parking options can be provided when you call to book your appointment.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Kwan 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. Kwan are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, provided the patient has 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 for patients to inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Kwan 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. Kwan 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.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Kwan 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. Kwan 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 can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Kwan at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Kwan will typically involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, the nature and timeline of their current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms impact their daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Kwan 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. Kwan 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 the patient to establish health goals.

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

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Kwan 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.

4885 KINGSWAY STE 501
Burnaby, BC, V5H 4T2

Phone: (604) 432-9182

Dr. Susan Yuk-Lin Kwan 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: 23988

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/306743/Kwan%2CSusan

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is typically required to see Dr. Kwan. Dr. Kwan 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.