Asthma and chronic bronchitis symptoms among adult population of Belgrade

Abstract

In Serbia there is a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms, asthma and chronic bronchitis smoking addiction.

Early detection of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary care patients

“…In the territory of Belgrade, the prevalence of asthmatic symptoms in the adult population amounts to 12.5% [15]. In our study, the diagnosis of asthma was confirmed in 455 (22%) subjects.…”

“…The reported data emphasize the need for continuous education in the field of asthma and COPD, so that the diagnosis may be established in compliance with current diagnostic criteria, based on spirometry tests because In our study, one third of the patients with asthma and one half of COPD patients were active smokers. Milenkovic et al reported similar findings [15]. Tobacco smoke is the most frequent, preventable risk factor for pulmonary diseases [23].…”

“…Furthermore, some data suggest a higher COPD incidence in East than in West Europe. Milenkovic et al reported a similar prevalence of chronic bronchitis in Belgrade area (21.6%) [15]. In a Swedish study of the patients with an acute respiratory infection, treated in the primary care, COPD was diagnosed in 27% of the cases [16].…”

The relationship between atherosclerosis and pulmonary emphysema

“…The prevalence of this disease is also high in Serbia [36]. The prevalence of this disease is also high in Serbia [36].…”

“…According to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines, more than half of patients with this disease remain undiagnosed [37]. That is why family doctors play a crucial role in the health care system, because they can integrate physical, psychological, social, cultural and existential characteristics of patients in order to diagnose the disease as early as possible [36]. That is why family doctors play a crucial role in the health care system, because they can integrate physical, psychological, social, cultural and existential characteristics of patients in order to diagnose the disease as early as possible [36].…”