Pulmonology is the branch of medicine concerned with treating diseases of the respiratory tract (diseases of the lungs and bronchi).

The pulmonologist’s work is to prevent, diagnose and treat these diseases.

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

The most common causes of lung disease are environmental pollution, hypothermia, weakened immunity, overexertion and smoking.

Climate therapy plays a very important role in treating diseases of the pulmonary system. Thanks to its geographical location, mild climate and fresh air, Switzerland has a positive effect on the recovery of patients with lung problems.

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

Obstructive lung disease

The main symptom of obstructive lung disease is difficulty breathing out (air leaves the lungs more slowly on exhalation than in a healthy person). This may be caused by lung damage or by narrowing of the airways in the lungs. Patients find breathing especially difficult during intense physical exertion: the faster they breathe, the less time they have 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 diseases, the lungs cannot expand to their normal volume, and the patient cannot “breathe deeply”.

Conditions that can cause restrictive lung disease:

  • interstitial lung disease (for example, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis);
  • obesity (including obesity hypoventilation);
  • scoliosis;
  • neuromuscular diseases (for example, muscular dystrophy).

Symptoms of lung disease

Restrictive and obstructive lung disease can have similar symptoms – mainly shortness of breath. At first, breathing problems trouble the patient only during intense physical exertion, but as the disease progresses they occur even with minimal exertion.

Another sign of lung disease is a cough – dry or productive, with sputum.

Depression and anxiety frequently accompany lung disease.

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

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

Few medicines are available to treat most causes of restrictive lung disease. Drugs that suppress the immune system are used.

Some patients may need oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation.

Treatment of lung disease

Privatklinik Bethanien has an internal medicine service with a dedicated pulmonology unit, where the respiratory tract is treated conservatively with modern, effective medicines. At the clinic, patients’ breathing is eased and severe coughing fits and flare-ups are relieved.

The clinic’s strengths:

  • Modern equipment;
  • New medicines;
  • Innovative methods of treating and restoring respiratory function.

Switzerland’s climate and mountain air are well suited to the effective treatment of all diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract. The clinic has a rehabilitation service where every patient can complete a course of rehabilitation after medical or surgical treatment.

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