Pulmonology

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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.

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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Impressions of our patients

Gaga305

2. July, 2024.

Wonderful and friendly staff, Doctor Victor so calm and devoted to the patient, thanks to you the headaches and pain are now under control. From the heart...

Branka Pavlica Petrović

26. June, 2024.

I had the honor to meet Professor Damjanov personally, a wonderful doctor and an expert in his work.

Dragica Vasić

19. June, 2024.

All commendation for prof. Ph.D. Raičević.

Milan Jakovljević

6. June, 2024.

Dr. Vesna is an exceptional expert and very kind during the examination.

Hatidja Marković

22. May, 2024.

Dr. Vesna is an exceptional expert and very pleasant.

Nada Spasojević Petričević

7. May, 2024.

Professor Jasmina Ćirić is exceptional, pleasant, all commendation for her.

Marina Savić

10. April, 2024.

Kind staff, pleasant space, and Dr. N. Dajanov, way to go. So devoted, proficient and ready to answer all the questions.

Stefan Prlja

1. March, 2024.

Very professional and kind staff. Communication and scheduling an appointment and check-ups very simple. Rheumatologist Prof. Damjanov is unrivalled, a kind-hearted man first and foremost, and then a doctor. Way to go Da Medika.

Jasmina Petrovic

29. February, 2024.

Strong recommendation ....a brilliant team. Prof. Damjanov with invaluable experience, he helped my husband who apart from Parkinson’s disease, has arthritis, which is now in remission... better walk and we are happy and overjoyed...Thank you!!!

Olika Drobnjak-Tomašek

20. February, 2024.

My regards to the entire team of dear colleague, you are brilliant! Special thank to Nemanja Damjanov for everything!

Snežana Đorđević

21. January, 2024.

My respect for Prof. Damjanov. An outstanding expert and a wonderful doctor. Way to go! I can say this from my personal experience, as his long-standing patients for more than 25 years.

Radivoje Simić

21. January, 2024.

I had pain in the thumbs of both hands and in the right shoulder for several months, and I was totally languid. I was treated with medication and physical therapy by many physiatrists and rheumatologists, but the pain did not stop. Then I addressed Professor Damjanov, who examined me and established that I had a swelling and the inflammation of both shoulders, but also the thickening of skin and the inflammation of both hands. After the ultrasound examination and lab tests, the Professor’s suspicion that I had an autoimmune diseases - vasculitis was confirmed. I was prescribed drugs and I was soon feeling much better. I feel like a new person! No more inflammation, so the Professor plans to discontinue my entire drug treatment soon. I am grateful to Professor Damjanov for establishing the real cause of my problems and giving me the right drugs.

Stojanka Popović

21. January, 2024.

Profesor Damjanov treated me at the Institute of Rheumatology ten years ago. At that time, the doctors in Šabac claimed that I would end up immobile and in a wheelchair. And here I am, after four fractures, Dr. Vidić and Prof. Damjanov have cured me. I am now entering the 78th year of my life, I walk and I do everything. I cannot thank Professor Damjanov enough! May God protect him.

Stefan Mihajlović

21. January, 2024.

I had constant pain in my lower back. Physiatrists treated my sciatica using physical therapy for years, but to no avail. I was not feeling better at all. Then I made an appointment with Prof. Damjanov, who finally discovered what I was suffering from. He established that rheumatic inflammation of the spine - spondyloarthritis was in question. He told me that this disease could only be treated with a biological drug, which I obtained through the Republic Fund of Health Insurance. Since being in this therapy, I have felt no pain and I live and work normally. I am indebted to Professor Damjanov.

Milena Đorđević (53)

2. November, 2023.

I had severe pain in the left arm. I could not bend it nor raise it. I made an appointment with Professor Damjanov, and based on physical and ultrasound examination, he discovered inflammation, rupture and fibroses in several places. He gave me an injection and advice on what I could and what I shouldn’t do during the recovery, and after that the pain stopped and I function normally now.

Jelena Veličković (41)

28. October, 2023.

I visited Professor Damjanov while he was working at the Institute. I suffered constant pain in my feet, on a daily basis literally. Apart from my feet, where the pain was most severe, all my muscle attachments ached. None of the painkillers would help me, while neither physiatrists nor orthopaedician could understand what was in question. Prof. Damjanov realized immediately that I had the syndrome of hypermobile joints and that I had to stop practising aerobics. He gave me advice on activities which are good for me and I have followed that for years. The pain i much less intense and much less frequent, while I do not have to take any medication. A exceptional diagnostician.

Dobrila Ivković (70)

23. October, 2023.

Prof. Damjanov saved my life. I was in great pain and moved with difficulty. During the ultrasound examination, the professor saw that the cup of my hip ruptured and that there was some strange mass next it. My hip was operated on and the benign tumour was removed. However, around ten days after the operation, my general health condition worsened. I was lacking energy completely, with swellings on my legs which did not subside. None of the specialists could establish the cause. I was then examined by Professor Damjanov, who established the right diagnosis, admitted me to hospital and started treatment immediately. I would have died in a day or two for unidentified pseudomembranose colitis. I am eternally grateful to him.