Pulmonology

Objem zdravja at Medicinski center Ljubljana provides pulmonology and allergology care. Pulmonology covers diseases of the lungs and airways, including sleep-related breathing disorders. Allergology covers the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases, including those that show up as breathing problems.

You can come for a pulmonology examination because of a long-lasting or recurring cough, wheezing, shortness of breath on exertion, recurring respiratory infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or breathing problems during sleep.

As part of the allergy work-up we carry out allergy examinations and testing. This includes skin prick tests for inhaled and food allergens, tests for hypersensitivity to insect (hymenoptera) venom, and tests for hypersensitivity to antibiotics. We also provide immunotherapy, which treats certain forms of allergy and reduces sensitivity to the substances that trigger allergic reactions.

Our diagnostic procedures also include lung function tests such as spirometry, measurement of nitric oxide (NO) in exhaled breath, the methacholine challenge test for airway hyperresponsiveness, and polysomnography (a comprehensive overnight diagnostic sleep study).

When you book, you will be told which tests you need for your symptoms, how they are done and how to prepare for them.

Pulmonology and allergy examinations are performed by Assoc. Prof. Mihaela Zidarn, MD. Examinations for sleep-related breathing disorders are performed by Jasmina Dimitrijević Golež, MD.

Spirometry is a test that measures how much air you can breathe out and how fast. The test is painless and simple. You breathe in deeply through a mouthpiece and then breathe out as forcefully as you can, and the measurement is repeated a few times so that the result is reliable. The result helps to recognise and monitor asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Before the test avoid smoking and a large meal. Some medicines that open the airways need to be temporarily left out before the measurement, which is decided by the doctor, so do not stop your regular treatment on your own. If you have a cold at the time of the appointment, it is better to postpone the measurement, as an acute respiratory infection affects the test results.

The pulmonology clinic at the centre is run by Objem zdravja and ZZ Zdravje. The ZZZS concession is held by Objem zdravja, so with a referral from your chosen family doctor you book directly with them. A self-pay examination is available from both providers and does not require a referral.

If you have a referral, keep it. An examination with a referral at Objem zdravja is covered by compulsory health insurance.

Booking is handled by the clinic itself. The link on the pulmonology clinic page takes you to their booking. Appointments cannot be booked here, and this website does not publish the clinic's schedule.

The clinic also triages referrals: each referral is placed in the appropriate treatment category according to its urgency and your health condition.

Please bring previous chest X-rays, earlier spirometry results, laboratory results and a list of your medicines. If allergy testing is planned at your appointment, stop taking antihistamines at least one week beforehand.

Sudden severe shortness of breath, coughing up blood, or chest pain on breathing with a feeling of not getting enough air need immediate help. Call 112 and do not wait for an appointment.