November 15th is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day, the third leading cause of death in the world and a disease with the destructive effects of which more than 210 million people around the planet struggle.
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
COPD is a chronic, progressive disease that affects almost 10% of the adult population, with a constant tendency of escalation and growth, and a primary feature and danger of frequent non-recognition - staying insufficiently diagnosed and inadequately treated.
How does COPD occur?
The most common cause of COPD is tobacco smoke, including cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars and other forms of smoking. According to research, 80-90% of people diagnosed with COPD are chronic or former smokers. In addition to the above, there is also a smaller percentage of non-smokers who develop COPD, exposed to other risk factors such as dust and chemicals in the workplace, indoor and outdoor air pollution, and passive smoking.
Which are symptom COPD?
The initial symptoms of the disease are: prolonged cough, expectoration, shortness of breath during physical activity, wheezing in the chest and fatigue. The greatest danger lies in the fact that patients view the appearance of these symptoms as part of the normal aging process, not giving them importance, even though they are signs of a serious illness that requires treatment.
COPD is a disease that life threatening i progressively worsens if left untreated. Unrecognized and inadequately treated, the disease often progresses to the stage when it is very difficult and challenging for the patient to bear any effort - the patient remains out of breath during daily activities such as climbing several stairs, walking on a flat surface or even washing and dressing in the morning.
How to fight against COPD?
The first step in diagnosing COPD is a quality medical examination - examination by a pulmonology specialist. Then, it's his turn spirometric testing, on the basis of which a thorough diagnosis is made, and where, based on the degree of severity of the symptoms as well as the degree of obstruction itself, recommendations for the use of therapy are formed.
Spirometric testing is the gold standard for diagnosing COPD.
Why is Polyclinic Milmedika the right address to fight COPD?
Polyclinic Milmedika is long-term and thoroughly determined and dedicated to the fight against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - from the process of educational and preventive action to high-quality diagnostic, therapeutic and control treatments. The team of experts in this field is led by:
Dr. Mirko Šebek, specialist pneumophthisiologist
Dr. Zoja Celebić, specialist pneumophthisiologist
Dr. Rade Kaluđerović, specialist pediatric pulmonologist
Dr. Goran Marković, specialist pediatric pulmonologist.
Within the month of the fight against COPD and in order to raise awareness about the dangers of this disease, Policlinic Milmedika to its patients in the period 15.11.-30.11.2023. provides an opportunity free spirometric test, with an examination by a pulmonology specialist. You can schedule your examination at:
Milmedik polyclinics Niksic, to phone numbers +382 67 287 610 i +382 40 229 669;
Polyclinic Milmedika u Podgorica i Budva, by calling the call center at the number 19899, or by phone number: +382 67 287 278 (WhatsApp/Viber)
You can also get complete health care and care at the Milmedika Polyclinic through their voluntary health insurance.
Milmedika - always at the service of your health.
