{"id":9264,"date":"2025-07-11T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-11T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/?post_type=news_item&p=9264"},"modified":"2026-03-10T11:50:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T10:50:49","slug":"the-luftibus-will-stop-in-lucerne","status":"publish","type":"news_item","link":"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/news\/the-luftibus-will-stop-in-lucerne\/","title":{"rendered":"Free lung check for the public: The \u00abLuftiBus\u00bb is coming to Lucerne"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Lucerne, July 11, 2025 \u2014 The \u00abLuftiBus\u00bb from Lunge Z\u00fcrich will make a stop in Lucerne on Friday, July 11, 2025. The eye-catching bus will be welcoming visitors at Weinmarkt between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Anyone interested can have their lung function tested on site free of charge \u2014 it\u2019s quick, easy, and no prior appointment is needed. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of lung health and to contribute to the early detection of common respiratory diseases. The main sponsor MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme AG is supporting the \u00abLuftiBus\u00bb visit to Lucerne.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lung diseases are among the most common chronic conditions in Switzerland. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma \u2014 both progressive conditions that often go undiagnosed until later stages \u2014 are particularly widespread.1<\/sup> Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a somewhat lesser-known but particularly serious lung disease.1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the \u00abLuftiBus\u00bb Lunge Z\u00fcrich aims to raise awareness of these lung diseases. On July 11, 2025, the eye-catching Lunge Z\u00fcrich bus will stop in Lucerne, offering free lung function tests at Weinmarkt. The aim is to inform the public in Lucerne and the surrounding area about lung health and to contribute to the early detection of common respiratory diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image<\/strong>: The LuftiBus (Image: \u00a9 Lunge Z\u00fcrich)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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The \u00abLuftibus\u00bb<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For over 30 years, we have been making an important contribution to the prevention and early detection of lung diseases with the \u00abLuftiBus\u00bb. To date, we have tested the lung function of more than 190,000 people. As an individual, you can have your lungs tested quickly and easily in the \u00abLuftiBus\u00bb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lung diseases in Switzerland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the Swiss Lung Association, several hundred thousand people in Switzerland suffer from asthma and COPD.2<\/sup> Furthermore, the Swiss Cancer Association reports that around 4,900 people develop lung cancer and approximately 3,300 die from it each year in Switzerland.3<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These conditions significantly impact the quality of life, but can often be treated effectively, provided they are detected early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pulmonary hypertension<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a less well-known, but particularly serious condition. PH is an umbrella term for various lung diseases, all characterized by elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation.4<\/sup> The elevated blood pressure puts considerable strain on both the heart and lungs, leading to symptoms such as breathing difficulties, weakness, and tiredness \u2014 even with low physical exertion.4<\/sup> If left untreated, the prognosis of those affected deteriorates rapidly. Here, too, early diagnosis is crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00abLuftiBus\u00bb services for visitors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The \u00abLuftiBus\u00bb, an initiative of Lunge Z\u00fcrich, is supported by the pharmaceutical company MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme AG, headquartered in Lucerne, as one of two main sponsors, along with other sponsors. The aim of this initiative is to raise public awareness of respiratory diseases. Visitors to the bus have the opportunity to have their lung function tested free of charge. A simple lung function test, called spirometry, is performed\u2014an easy measurement that takes only a few minutes. This test checks how well the lungs are working and is an important tool for the early detection of many lung diseases. In addition, a sit-to-stand test is offered. This one-minute test assesses the ability to stand up from a seated position and helps evaluate physical endurance. Increased shortness of breath during exertion may be due to your fitness level or an underlying cardiopulmonary disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the tests, the trained \u00abLuftiBus\u00bb team from Lunge Z\u00fcrich explains the results. No diagnoses are made. However, if any abnormal results are found, an in-depth evaluation by a pulmonary specialist is recommended. In addition, a representative of the Swiss PH Association for People with Pulmonary Hypertension will be on site to answer questions about this disease. The \u00abLuftiBus\u00bb service is open to anyone who wants to learn more about their lung health, whether for preventive reasons or due to existing symptoms. No registration is required for the lung function test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is a lung function test?5<\/sup><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A lung function test, also known as spirometry, provides information about the lung capacity and any potential restriction of the airways. A lung function test measures breathing , and the results help to detect lung diseases such as COPD or asthma at an early stage. The test is simple, painless, and can be completed within a few minutes. The measurement takes about ten minutes and is carried out in accordance with international standards. To ensure data security, the tests are recorded anonymously. Each test participant receives a printout with their personal test results. These are compared with reference ranges adjusted for gender, age, height, and ethnicity and explained by the \u00abLuftiBus\u00bb team. The team does not make diagnoses. In the event of abnormal results, an in-depth medical evaluation is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Online lung testing available6<\/sup><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t have enough time for a lung check on the \u00abLuftiBus\u00bb? Then take the free lung test, provided online by Lunge Z\u00fcrich. This survey asks questions about your habits, your breathing, and your physical performance. The completed lung tests and the answers are evaluated anonymously to document the success of the campaign. Available at: https:\/\/lunge-zuerich.ch\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Links for further information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n