[Indications and successes of climate therapy of children].

The indications for courses of climatic treatment are almost the same in various areas. Nevertheless, one should not only work by "trial and error" but should take climatic factors into consideration well in advance. The North Sea is characterised by equable temperatures. Nevertheless, it is a stimulating climate because of the strong wind. The maritime aerosol is a specific factor. The wide horizon enables intensive utilisation of UV radiation. The Baltic is an attenuated stimulating climate with many special features. The effect of mountain climate is attributable to lower temperatures and atmospheric moisture, reduced partial pressure of oxygen as well as greatly increased UV radiation. The medium mountain ranges have a congenial climate in connection with its abundant forests. The action of climatic factors should be considered before establishing indications (diseases of the airways, especially bronchial asthma, diseases of the skin with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis vulgaris as well as hypotensive circulatory disorders). Mild climatic conditions medium mountain ranges and Baltic and also the North Sea in the summer months are to be preferred for infants and the severely ill. According to statistics, improvement was still seen from the physicians point of view in 56% of children after courses of climatic treatment in the mountains lasting for nine months. A very good result was discernible in 56% of the asthma patients after 12 months in the case of the North Sea, and a good result could be discerned in a further 25%. However, it is crucial that the climatic factors are allowed to act in the correct dosage, and that behaviour promoting health via roborant measures, e.g. regular visits to the sauna and avoidance of passive smoking, be practiced at home.