Hochgebirgsklinik, Davos
Hochgebirgsklinik Davos is a mountain-top clinic which specialises in treating adults and children who suffer from allergies and non-allergy related conditions affecting their skin, eyes and respiratory system. Including:
- bronchial asthma due to various causes
- chronic (obstructive) bronchial respiratory disorders
- allergies associated with the upper airways, skin, gastrointestinal conditions
- allergic pulmonary disorders (exogenous allergic alveolitides, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) etc.)
- adjuvant therapy for related internal disorders and/or side-effects
- diseases of the upper airways (ENT specialist)
Ophthalmology: The clinic treats all forms of inflammatory eye disease, focusing particularly on chronic recurrent inflammations, allergic disorders (including of the conjunctiva and cornea), degeneration of the retina and disorders of the optical nerve.
Chronic inflammatory skin conditions (dermatology): The clinic has succeeded in helping patients combat inflammatory skin conditions and also reduce the frequency, severity and duration of the inflamation even after leaving the clinic. This is especially important for patients who, having exhausted all possible alternatives, now need cortisone treatment and are possibly at risk of developing side-effects from internal or external cortisone usage. These patients can often have their dosage of cortisone gradually reduced, or can even be weaned off the treatment completely, replacing it with conventional anti-eczematous treatment.
The clinic currently has the following departments:
• In-patient centre
• Out-patient centre
• A rehabilitation centre
• A diagnosis centre
• A summer camp for 18- to 25-year-olds
• Ophthalmology
• Dermatology
• Patient education programmes for adults
The clinic is located 1,600 metres above sea level in a shady valley in the centre the Canton of Graubünden by Lake Davos. The area is protected by 3060-metre-high mountains to the north, west and south, and is partially open in the south. Davos itself is world famous for its climate, its annual economic forum and also the large choice of leisure and sports facilities.
With its combination of sun and fresh air, often termed ‘Champagne air’, Davos’ mountainous climate is unique. The air is practically free of allergens, atmospheric pollutants, bacteria and mites. Its qualities are ideal for treating health problems and for tuberculosis sufferers to regain their strength. Thanks to this and other physiological aspects that have a positive effect on patients’ physical and spiritual wellbeing, as well as the wide range of medical services on offer the mountain clinic has earned worldwide renown.
Everything began with Herman Burchard, a Hamburg aristocrat who recovered from a severe pulmonary disease in Davos at the end of the nineteenth century. Realising that his greatly improved health was mainly due to the unique climate and exceptional air quality in, he dedicated lots of energy and time to establishing a sanatorium there, which opened in 1901. As a result of continued demand, the clinic has grown and developed, and currently enjoys worldwide popularity.