Why are you involved in Altea's Expert Board?
We need to have a better understanding of Long COVID so that we can provide those affected with the optimal therapy. As a respiratory physiotherapist, I am particularly interested in the symptom of respiratory distress and the commonly associated breathing pattern changes. It is also important to consider Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM), the deterioration of symptoms after even very minimal physical, mental or emotional exertion, and plan therapy accordingly.
What is your professional relationship to Long COVID?
As a respiratory physiotherapist, I have been looking at breathing from both a clinical and a scientific perspective for almost 30 years. As a specialist in pulmonary diseases in the area of rehabilitation, I mainly focus on chronic lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). With these diseases, well-founded and professionally guided self-management is essential. And at the moment, at least, it’s no different with Long COVID. In this area, too, I am able to draw on my many years of experience in breathing techniques and a gradual, cautious return to physical activity.
Kaba Dalla Lana, Respiratory Physiotherapist
What is your experience with Long COVID so far?
Right at the start of the pandemic, I heard from a physio colleague in London who told me that he was suffering from Long COVID. Since then, I’ve been in regular contact with him and other health specialists both in Switzerland and abroad who are also experiencing symptoms of Long COVID. As part of my scientific work, I contributed to the World Physiotherapy briefing paper on Long COVID as a co-author.
How do you see the future with regards to Long COVID?
I am and will remain confident. We want to and we must help those affected.
What are you enthusiastic about as a private person?
I love everything to do with physical activity, and my absolute favorite form of exercise is being on the snow on two short and curved or two long and narrow slats.
Kaba Dalla Lana is an independent consultant for pulmonary rehabilitation (PRT+). She is a qualified physiotherapist specializing in respiratory physiotherapy.
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