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  • Collapsed lung
  • Lung infection
  • Strengthening your lungs
  • Myths & facts
  • Exercises
  • Lungs & emergencies
  • Emergency procedure & emergency ID card
  • Contact
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In an emergency…

…every second counts.

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In an emergency…

…a reliable diagnosis is crucial.

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In an emergency…

…competent help is key.

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In an emergency…

…fast decisions are needed.

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In an emergency…

…every action must be precise.

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In an emergency…

…state-of-the-art medical technology is used.

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In an emergency…

…family members are also cared for.

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In an emergency…

…an experienced team provides expert assistance.

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In an emergency…

…specialists provide treatment.

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In an emergency…

…a calm approach is required.

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In an emergency…

…the focus is on the patient’s individual needs.

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In an emergency…

…exceptional situations are overcome.

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In an emergency…

…a great deal of warm-heartedness is needed.

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In an emergency…

…people help people.

Collapsed lung – 
Suddenly out of breath

If a collapsed lung occurs (pneumothorax is the medical term) as a result of an accident or injury, the patient's general condition can deteriorate rapidly. Help is then urgently needed, as the earlier the emergency is treated, the better the prognosis.

Infographic Lungcollaps 1
Infographic Lungcollaps 2
Infographic Lungcollaps 3
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Infographic Lungcollaps 5
Infographic Lungcollaps 6

Lung infection – 
Water on the lungs

Lung infection (pneumonia) is the infectious disease that causes most deaths in Switzerland: the lung tissue becomes inflamed and water collects in the alveoli.

 

A lung infection is a medical emergency: the health of the patient can deteriorate rapidly. The risk of complications is particularly high for people with weak immune systems.

Infographic cours of a lung inflamation 1
Infographic cours of a lung inflamation 2
Infographic cours of a lung inflamation 3
Infographic cours of a lung inflamation 4
Infographic cours of a lung inflamation 5
Infographic cours of a lung inflamation 6
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Infographic cours of a lung inflamation 12

 Strengthening your lungs:
6 tips 

When should you take special care and what can you do to prevent a lung infection? You can find out this and much more here:

Tip

Stop the spread

The pathogens that cause lung infections are mainly passed on through droplets expelled in coughs and sneezes. Washing your hands regularly helps protect you. Door handles, light switches and telephones should also be thoroughly cleaned.

1st
Tip

Risk groups

Young children, the elderly, people who have previously had respiratory tract conditions, and people who have severe chronic illnesses such as diabetes are particularly prone to lung infections. These people are recommended to get a pneumococcal vaccine.

2nd
Tip

Strengthen your lungs

Air your lungs well. This keeps them healthy and resilient. Breathe fresh air regularly and boost the lower sections of your lungs with breathing exercises. Deep abdominal breathing or endurance sports like jogging or swimming strengthen your lungs.

3rd
Tip

Strengthen your immune system

Balanced nutrition can support the body's own defence system. With enough micro-nutrients, the metabolism works optimally and the immune system is ready for action.

4th
Tip

Reduce the load on your lungs

A cigarette contains around 4,800 chemicals, of which 250 are poisonous, such as arsenic, lead and formaldehyde. The weakened lungs of a smoker are more prone to infections. Another reason to give up smoking.

5th
Tip

Winter air

Your lungs need fresh air in winter as well. If it is too cold, this can place a strain on the lungs. For this reason, it is advisable to keep your mouth and nose covered with a scarf in cold weather. 

6th

Myths and facts
about lungs

Is winter air bad for your lungs?

Answer

No. Fresh air does not do any harm. However, it should not be too cold. A scarf over your mouth and nose can protect you.

Is there a good room temperature for your lungs?

Answer

Yes. You should ventilate regularly, particularly in hot weather, to let fresh air into the room. Air humidifiers and plants help to prevent dry air and catch foreign bodies like dust particles.

Can smokers’ lungs heal?

Answer

Yes, lungs have a high capacity for regeneration. As a rule of thumb, lungs need as many years to heal as you have smoked.

Does being overweight affect your lungs?

Answer

Yes. The increased body weight places a strain on the circulation in the lungs and can make respiratory problems worse. This makes your lungs more prone to infection, like pneumonia.

Does a large supply of liquid strengthen your lungs?

Answer

Yes, because getting enough moisture helps production of the thin mucus that can transport away harmful substances. If the airways dry out, this can also lead to a dry cough and asthma attacks.

Do breathing exercises help?

Answer

Yes. In daily life your full lung capacity is hardly used. This means that your lungs are not well aired. Breathing exercises can help with this.

Can vaccinations protect you against lung infections?

Answer

Yes. The vaccine used normally contains 23 antigens of different pneumococcal bacteria. These are responsible for 90 % of all cases. So there is no 100 % protection, but you can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

Are certain foods good for your lungs?

Answer

Yes. If you get enough vitamins and other trace minerals from fruit and vegetables, you boost your metabolism and strengthen your immune system. This also benefits your lungs.

Can I do sport if I have asthma?

Answer

Yes. For people with chronic respiratory illnesses, there are special exercises to make breathing more conscious and to strengthen lungs.

Is yoga good for your lungs?

Answer

Yes. The different breathing exercises support lung activity and ensure fresh air gets into your lungs.

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Exercises for stronger lungs

Exercise 1/4

Pursed lip & alternate breathing

Expands the airways, eases breathing and relaxes.

Exercise 2/4

Three-part breathing

Fills you with energy and prevents infection.

Exercise 3/4

Straw breathing

Makes it easier to breathe and alleviates respiratory distress.

Exercise 4/4

Scarf breathing exercise

Mobilises the rib cage and deepens the breath.

Lungs & emergencies

The lungs inhale up to 2.5 litres of air, or up to four litres in the case of top athletes.

The total surface area of all the alveoli is larger than a badminton court.

If you tap your chest with your knuckles while you breathe, this strengthens your lungs.

Around 42,000 people are diagnosed with lung infections in Switzerland every year.

Freedivers have a lung capacity of up to 10 litres.

The diameter of the alveoli is 0.1 to 0.2 millimetres.

The left lung is smaller than the right, to allow room for the heart.

Every person has an average of 300 million alveoli.

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The emergency procedure

hirslanden-emergency-admission
hirslanden-emergency-assessment
hirslanden-emergency-diagnostics
hirslanden-emergency-discharge

The Emergency ID card contains your medical information, which may be crucial in an emergency. Download it now!

Download Emergency ID card
PDF | 685 KB

Organ donations can save lives. An organ donor card or the online registration allows you to specify in writing what is to be done with your body after you die.

Doanload organ donor card
PDF | 92 KB
Online national organ donor register

What you should do in an emergency

Emergencies occur suddenly and unexpectedly. They come at inopportune moments and require timely, correct action. What can you do when something happens? Learn more about how to respond in emergency situations.

Where to find us

Hirslanden Klinik Hirslanden

Witellikerstrasse 40
8032 Zürich
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 44 387 35 35
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Reinacherstrasse 28
4142 Münchenstein
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 61 335 25 75
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Hirslanden Klinik Stephanshorn

Brauerstrasse 95
9016 St.Gallen
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 71 282 74 74
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Hirslanden Klinik Aarau

Schänisweg
5001 Aarau
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 62 836 76 76
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Hirslanden Klinik Beau-Site

Schänzlihalde 11
3013 Bern
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 31 335 30 30
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Hirslanden Klinik Linde

Blumenrain 105
2501 Biel
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 32 366 41 12
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Hirslanden Klinik Permanence

Bümplizstrasse 83
3018 Bern
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 31 990 41 11
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Hirslanden Salem-Spital

Schänzlistrasse 39
3013 Bern
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 31 335 35 35
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Hirslanden Clinique des Grangettes

Chemin des Grangettes 7
1224 Chêne-Bougeries
365 days a year:
Mon. to Fri. 7 a.m. – 11.00 p.m.
Sat., Sun. & public holidays 8 a.m. – 11.00 p.m.
+41 022 305 07 77
More information

Hirslanden Clinique des Grangettes

Chemin des Grangettes 7
1224 Chêne-Bougeries
365 days a year, 9 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
+41 022 305 05 55
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Hirslanden Clinique la Colline

Avenue de Beau-Séjour 6
1206 Genève
365 days a year, 9 a.m. – 11.00 p.m.
+41 22 702 21 44
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Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna

St. Anna-Strasse 32
6006 Luzern
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 41 208 44 44
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Hirslanden Clinique Bois-Cerf
Hirslanden Clinique Cecil

Avenue Ruchonnet 53
1003 Lausanne
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 21 310 50 30
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Hirslanden Klinik Im Park

Seestrasse 220
8027 Zürich
365 days a year, 7 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
+41 44 209 25 55
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Hirslanden AndreasKlinik Cham Zug

Rigistrasse 1
6330 Cham
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 41 784 01 44
More information

Hirslanden Klinik Aarau

Schänisweg
5001 Aarau
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 62 836 76 76
More information

Hirslanden Klinik Birshof

Reinacherstrasse 28
4142 Münchenstein
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 61 335 25 75
More information

Hirslanden Klinik Beau-Site

Schänzlihalde 11
3013 Bern
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 31 335 30 30
More information

Hirslanden Klinik Linde

Blumenrain 105
2501 Biel
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 32 366 41 12
More information

Hirslanden Klinik Permanence

Bümplizstrasse 83
3018 Bern
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 31 990 41 11
More information

Hirslanden Salem-Spital

Schänzlistrasse 39
3013 Bern
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 31 335 35 35
More information

Hirslanden Clinique des Grangettes

Chemin des Grangettes 7
1224 Chêne-Bougeries
365 days a year:
Mon. to Fri. 7 a.m. – 11.00 p.m.
Sat., Sun. & public holidays 8 a.m. – 11.00 p.m.
+41 022 305 07 77
More information

Hirslanden Clinique des Grangettes

Chemin des Grangettes 7
1224 Chêne-Bougeries
365 days a year, 9 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
+41 022 305 05 55
More information

Hirslanden Clinique la Colline

Avenue de Beau-Séjour 6
1206 Genève
365 days a year, 9 a.m. – 11.00 p.m.
+41 22 702 21 44
More information

Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna

St. Anna-Strasse 32
6006 Luzern
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 41 208 44 44
More information

Hirslanden Klinik Stephanshorn

Brauerstrasse 95
9016 St.Gallen
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 71 282 74 74
More information

Hirslanden Clinique Bois-Cerf
Hirslanden Clinique Cecil

Avenue Ruchonnet 53
1003 Lausanne
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 21 310 50 30
More information

Hirslanden AndreasKlinik Cham Zug

Rigistrasse 1
6330 Cham
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 41 784 01 44
More information

Hirslanden Klinik Im Park

Seestrasse 220
8027 Zürich
365 days a year, 7 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
+41 44 209 25 55
More information

Hirslanden Klinik Hirslanden

Witellikerstrasse 40
8032 Zürich
24/7, 365 days a year
+41 44 387 35 35
More information
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