Examining and treating asthma at Hochgebirgsklinik Davos

Respiratory diseases are characterised by the bronchi’s heightened sensitivity to various irritants – allergens, cigarette smoke or agents of infection. In response to irritation the bronchi constrict severely, which prevents the passage of air and makes breathing more difficult. As a rule this is linked not only to the contraction of muscles in the bronchial walls, but also to the swelling of the walls and the secretion of thick mucous Usually bronchial spasm do not last long, their strength can with time and the treatment change.

Currently, asthma is considered a self-inducing condition, whereby chronic inflammation of the bronchi is caused and prolonged by the body’s own chemical substances (leukotriene and histamine etc.) collectively known as antagonists. Various irritants only provoke the discharge of these substances by various cells.

Provoking factors: most often this is a viral infection or an allergy. Viral infections, which are called internal factors, are usually the cause of asthma in children under 5 and adults over 40. For those between 5 and 40 asthma is usually caused by allergies, i.e. it is caused by external factors. Allergic reactions are typically caused by pollen, mould, household dust and dead animal cells. Asthma attacks are often provoked by psychical exercise, however, rarely from swimming. Cigarette smoke is so dangerous that those that suffer from asthma should not in under any circumstance expose themselves to it. Other factors that can provoke asthmas attacks include sinusitis (inflammation of the paranasal sinuses,), changes in the weather (especially the wind, rain and humidity), and also aspirin.

Symptoms: coughing is the most common symptom, especially at night, most often after a viral infection or physical exercise. Wheezing, shortness of breath, retrosternal pain, fatigue, irritability and loss of appetite can also occur. Those who suffer from allergies also suffer from an itchy nose, eyes and ears, sneezing and cold like symptoms.

Treatment: currently, asthma remains untreatable, but suitable preventative measures and treatment enable patients to live a normal life. These measures can be divided into four main categories.

• Excluding harmful influence. It is necessary to deduce all allergens, irritants and any other factors whose effects can be weakened or completely counteracted.
• Medicinal therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Self-control (avoidance of allergenic materials etc.)

Hochgebirgsklinik Davos offers a specialised programme for examining and treating asthma, which includes::

1. Detailed clinical examination with a doctor
2. A full range of tests and analyses of the lungs
3. Non-invasive examination and evaluation of inflammation in the airways
4. A bronchial provocation test to measure bronchial hyperactivity (if necessary)
5. Tests and exercises for individual immunity
6. Various tests on the presence of allergens in both in vivo (real life) and in vitro (laboratory) conditions
7. Observation and identification of negative trigger factors that cause and exacerbate asthma. These observations can be used in determining a complete and optimum treatment for the condition.
8. Treatment procedures (inhalations, Kneipp‘s water treatment method, hydrotherapy, psychotherapy, climate therapy, sport, inhalers, social psychology, balneology, gymnastics for the spine etc.)

Patients are required to stay in the clinic for a minimum of 10 to 14 days. In more complexes cases, if necessary, up to 3 weeks.

The cost of treatment at Hochgebirgsklinik Davos:

• Around 600 CHF per day for those living outside the clinic
• Around 800 CHF per day for those staying on site (in a single room), 950 CHF (in a suite)

*The exact cost of treatment is calculated by the clinic following a study of the patient’s medical history.

The price includes all diagnostic procedures, all treatment and therapies as well as medication.