Dr. Samna Annie Oravec

As a Respirologist, Dr. Samna Annie Oravec diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Lung Infections

• Pneumonia: Addressing acute lung infections to ensure proper recovery and prevent complications.
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Involvement in the diagnosis and respiratory management of active pulmonary tuberculosis and latent TB infection, often in collaboration with public health.

Airway Diseases

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Helping patients manage symptoms of chronic cough, sputum production, and dyspnea associated with COPD.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Addressing long-term inflammation of the bronchi (large airways), primarily characterized by a persistent cough with mucus production.
• Bronchiectasis: Managing this chronic condition where damage to the airways causes them to widen and become scarred, leading to recurrent infections and mucus buildup.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Oravec, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: Thorough assessment of respiratory health, including detailed medical history, physical examination, and review of previous tests and imaging.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Helping patients master the use of their respiratory equipment to improve medication delivery to the lungs.
• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Diagnosis and treatment of various lung infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal pneumonia, and coordination of follow-up care.
• Bronchiectasis Management: Diagnosis and long-term management of bronchiectasis, focusing on airway clearance techniques, infection control, and symptom management.
• COPD Management and Education: Providing education and support to empower individuals with COPD to actively participate in their care.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Oravec. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any test or treatment depends on individual assessment and referral. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Samna Annie Oravec adhere to the scope of practice for Respirologists in BC and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At Dr. Samna Annie Oravec's practice, the primary aim is to work collaboratively with you to manage your respiratory condition effectively, improve your breathing, and enhance your overall quality of life. Dr. Oravec frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• For those affected by a cough that has lasted for weeks or months and just won't go away, Dr. Oravec provides solutions that lead to being able to be more physically active without severe breathlessness. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to returning to work or engaging in hobbies they enjoy.
• Dr. Oravec provides dedicated support for patients going through concerns about a shadow or spot found on their lung X-ray or CT scan, always aiming for positive outcomes like improved lung function as measured by pulmonary function tests, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as walking up a flight of stairs without becoming excessively breathless.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Oravec about snoring very loudly, choking or gasping for air during sleep, and feeling tired all day is to attain clear guidance on managing their condition and when to seek urgent care. This success not only improves respiratory health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like sleeping soundly through the night and waking up feeling refreshed.
• Dr. Oravec expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of their child having persistent coughing, wheezing, or frequent respiratory illnesses. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by successful and comfortable use of their CPAP therapy for sleep apnea, means they can happily and comfortably get back to laughing heartily without triggering a coughing fit or severe breathlessness.

Your personalized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Oravec, will be tailored to address your specific respiratory needs and health goals. Dr. Oravec is dedicated to providing expert care and empowering patients with the knowledge and tools to achieve their best possible respiratory health.

Dr. Oravec's respiratory clinic in Nanaimo is situated in the Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and is accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). Please inquire about parking when you schedule your visit.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Oravec recommend them?

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a group of non-invasive breathing tests that measure how well the lungs are working. They assess lung volume (how much air the lungs can hold), airflow rates (how quickly air can be moved in and out), and gas exchange (how well oxygen moves from the lungs into the blood). Dr. Oravec might recommend PFTs to help diagnose conditions like asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or to assess the severity of a known lung disease, monitor its progression, or evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Common PFTs include spirometry, lung volume measurement, and diffusing capacity tests.

What does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Oravec do?

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Oravec is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases and conditions of the lungs and respiratory system. This includes conditions like asthma, COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis), pneumonia, lung cancer, sleep apnea, interstitial lung diseases, and pleural diseases. Their goal is to improve respiratory health, alleviate symptoms like shortness of breath and cough, and enhance the quality of life for people with breathing problems. They use various diagnostic tools like pulmonary function tests and bronchoscopy, and treatments including medications, inhalers, oxygen therapy, and management of devices like CPAP machines.

Can Dr. Oravec help manage chronic conditions like asthma or COPD?

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Oravec are experts in the long-term management of chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis). After a thorough assessment, Dr. Oravec develops a personalized management plan. This may include prescribing appropriate inhaler medications (relievers and controllers), educating patients on correct inhaler technique, developing action plans for flare-ups, advising on trigger avoidance, recommending smoking cessation programs, and coordinating pulmonary rehabilitation if beneficial. The goal is to optimize symptom control, reduce exacerbations, improve lung function, and enhance overall quality of life.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Oravec at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Oravec will typically involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, the nature and timeline of their current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms impact their daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Oravec will then perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the respiratory system (listening to the lungs, observing breathing patterns). Any prior imaging (Chest X-rays, CT scans) or test results (like PFTs) will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Oravec will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations (like PFTs, sleep study, or bronchoscopy if needed), and will outline potential treatment options, working with the patient to establish health goals.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Oravec covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC)?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Respirologist like Dr. Oravec are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic tests like PFTs and bronchoscopies ordered by a specialist are also usually covered. However, some specific treatments, devices (e.g., CPAP machines, some specialized inhalers), or medications may not be fully covered or may have co-payments depending on provincial formularies and private insurance. It's always best for patients to inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

106-1825 Bowen Rd, Mount Benson Medical Clinic
Nanaimo, BC, V9S 1H1

Phone: (250) 753-3334

Dr. Samna Annie Oravec is a licensed Respirologist in BC, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

License Number: 44692

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/368750/Oravec%2CSamna

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is typically required to see Dr. Oravec. Dr. Oravec and the team are dedicated to providing comprehensive respiratory care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or severe difficulty breathing, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.