Pneumology: diagnosis and treatment

Pulmonology is a branch of medicine that deals with the treatment of respiratory diseases (diseases of the lungs, bronchi).

The work of a pulmonologist is to prevent, diagnose and treat these diseases.

The main diseases are respiratory failure, asthma, chronic infectious cough (lung abscess, bronchopneumonia, pleurisy) or cancer.

The most common causes of lung diseases are: pollution, hypothermia, decreased immunity, overwork and smoking.

Climatotherapy plays a very important role in the treatment of lung diseases. Due to its geographical location, mild climate and fresh air, Switzerland has a positive effect on the recovery process of patients with lung problems.

A pulmonologist treats lung diseases, which are divided into obstructive and restrictive lung diseases.

Obstructive lung disease

The main symptom of obstructive lung disease is difficulty in exhaling air (air exhales from the lungs more slowly on exhalation than in a healthy person). This can be caused by lung damage or narrowing of the airways in the lungs. Patients find it especially difficult to breathe during intense physical activity: the more often they breathe, the less time the patient has to exhale.

The most common obstructive lung diseases are:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;

• Emphysema;

• Chronic bronchitis;

• Bronchial asthma;

• Cystic Fibrosis.

Restrictive lung disease

In restrictive lung disease, the lungs cannot expand to their normal volume and the patient cannot "deep breathe".

Conditions that can cause restrictive lung disease:

• Interstitial lung disease (e.g., idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis);

• obesity (as well as hypoventilation in obesity);

• scoliosis;

• neuromuscular disease (e.g., muscular dystrophy).

Symptoms of lung disease

Restrictive and obstructive lung disease can have similar symptoms - mainly shortness of breath. Breathing problems initially bother the patient only during intense physical activity, but arise as the disease progresses, even with minimal physical activity.

A sign of lung disease is also a cough - dry or productive with expectoration of sputum.

Depression and anxiety are frequent companions of lung disease.

Special physical therapy exercises and, in some cases, oxygen therapy are recommended.

In severe cases, a lung transplant may be considered the only possible treatment.

Not many drugs are available to treat most causes of restrictive lung disease. Medications that suppress the immune system are used.

Some patients may require oxygen therapy and ventilators.

Treatment for lung disease 

The Clinic Bethanian has a therapeutic service with a specialized pneumology service that provides conservative airway treatment with modern and effective medications. The clinic calms patients' breathing, relieves severe coughing attacks and exacerbations of diseases.

Advantages of the clinic: 

• Modern equipment;

• New drugs;

• Innovative methods of treatment and restoration of respiratory system functions.

The climate and mountain air of Switzerland are suitable for effective treatment of all lung and respiratory diseases. The clinic has a rehabilitation service, where every patient can undergo a rehabilitation course after medical or surgical treatment.

We are always ready to answer your questions related to treatment in Switzerland. We guarantee to maintain complete confidentiality.