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Pulmonology

Pulmonology services at Da Medika Polyclinic

Specialist diagnostics and treatment of pulmonary diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia and other respiratory diseases using the latest methods. The Centre for Pulmonology is lead by Dr. Ana Samardžić, a specialist in internal medicine and pulmonologist with invaluable clinical experience.

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What is pulmonology and what does it focus on?

Pulmonology is a branch of medicine which is devoted to diagnosing, treating and preventing lung diseases and diseases of the respiratory system. Pulmonologists are specialists who diagnose and treat diseases, such as bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia and other respiratory disorders. Timely identification and treatment of these diseases may significantly improve patients’ quality of life.

Symptoms for which you should visit a pulmonologist

The symptoms of pulmonary diseases vary depending on the current condition of the patient, i.e. whether a diseases has just ensued or a chronic disease which is being monitored is in question, but the most common reasons for paying a visit to a pulmonologist include the following:

  • Persistent cough which does not stop, dry cough or cough producing phlegm
  • difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain which shoots through when inhaling
  • Wheezing or a whistling sound in the chest, tightness or pressure in the chest while breathing and coughing.

What does the examination involve?

An examination by a pulmonologist usually starts with an in-depth conversation on the symptoms, medical history and lifestyle of the patient, which is why it is desirable to bring all medical documentation and the results of previous tests. Upon that, the doctor conducts a physical examination, which includes auscultation of the lungs with a stethoscope so that breathing would be evaluated. The examination takes around 30 minutes and it includes the following:

– An interview on the current condition, symptoms, medical history, life habits and family medical history.

– A physical examination, including the auscultation of the lungs with a stethoscope and checking the breathing function.

– Additional necessary tests and diagnostic procedures, such as spirometry,  an X-ray of the lungs, a CT scan and bronchoscopy.

The most common diseases and conditions diagnosed and treated by a pulmonologist

Pulmonologists deal with a wide range of pulmonary diseases and conditions, including the following:

  • Asthma: a chronic disease of the airways with symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and chest tightness. The most common causes are genetic factors, allergens, air pollution.
  • Chronic bronchitis: inflammation of the bronchi which causes a persistent cough with sputum, difficulty breathing and fatigue. It occurs with long-term smokers or exposure to indoor pollutants.
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a group of pulmonary diseases which include chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which is characterised by difficulty breathing.
  • Emphysema: damage to the alveoli in the lungs, which leads to the reduction of lung capacity and shortness of breath. Smoking and inhaling other particles which irritate the lungs (irritants) increase the risk from the development of emphysema.
  • Pneumonia: inflammation of lung tissue which causes high fever, a cough with sputum, chest pain and difficulty breathing. It is most often caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infections.
  • Pulmonary fibrosis: Scarring of lung tissue which makes breathing difficult and causes a persistent cough, fatigue, muscle and joint pain. The causes of the development of this disease are unclear, but it could be related to autoimmune diseases and exposure to toxic substances.
  • Pulmonary embolism: a blockage in one or more pulmonary arteries, usually caused by a blood clot.
  • Interstitial lung diseases: a group of diseases causing damage to and scars on lung tissue.
  • Pulmonary hypertension: high blood pressure in pulmonary arteries.
  • Tuberculosis: lung infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
  • Sarcoidosis: an inflammatory disease which can affect the lungs and other organs, creating tiny collections of inflammatory cells.
  • Sleep apnoea: breathing disorder during sleep which causes pauses in breathing.
  • Cystic fibrosis: a hereditary disease which affects the lungs and other organs, causing the building up of thick and sticky mucus.
  • Bronchiectasis: a chronic condition which leads to the widening of bronchi as a result of recurrent infections or inflammation.
  • Lung carcinoma: a malignant tumour which most commonly occurs as a result of the changes to the cells of the bronchial mucosa; It may be small-cell (microcellular) and non-small-cell (non-microcellular) carcinoma.

How do pulmonary diseases affect quality of life?

Pulmonary diseases may severely impair patients’ quality of life. The symptoms such as  difficulty breathing, coughing, fatigue and pain can limit everyday activities and cause emotional stress. Chronic diseases, such as asthma and COPD, require constant treatment and monitoring, which may be exhausting for patients and their families. 

It is important to preserve healthy lungs, which is sometimes difficult, such as in cases of  increased air pollution, frequent viral infections or allergies. For that reason, it is vital to pay attention to the occurrence of any symptoms which may indicate the development of a potential problem. If a disease is discovered in a timely manner, which means as early as possible, the likelihood of successful treatment and complete recovery is greater, which is extremely important for all pulmonary diseases, and especially when it comes to malignant conditions. 

Examinations which you can have at |Da Medika Polyclinic

At Da Medika Polyclinic, patients may expect a comprehensive approach in diagnostics and treatment of pulmonary diseases from a specialist in pulmonology, with the application of the latest medical techniques and technology.

Experts who perform pulmonary examinations at Da Medika Polyclinic

A pulmonary examination at Da Medika Polyclinic is performed by Dr. Ana Samardžić, a pulmonologist.

Our team of pulmonologists

Dr. Ana Samardžić

Specialist in Internal Medicine
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Gandijeva 114b, Novi Beograd

+381 64 3333 860
+381 64 4202 222

info@damedika.rs

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