RESPIRATORY CARE

A respiratory therapist (RT) is a certified medical professional who specializes in providing healthcare for your lungs. They have advanced knowledge of high-tech equipment, such as mechanical ventilators. RTs work alongside doctors and nurses. They practice in many medical facilities, including emergency rooms, maternity wards, and therapy offices. Some RTs care for people in their own homes.

Respiratory therapists help improve outcomes for people with asthma, pneumonia, emphysema, lung trauma, and other diagnoses. RTs can assess your breathing, recommend exercises, and monitor your progress.

Adult respiratory therapy:

Adult respiratory therapy takes place in a hospital, outpatient, or home setting. An RT may assist with routine care for the maintenance of chronic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis. Adult respiratory therapy often involves the treatment of emphysema. RTs are sometimes in charge of programs that help adults quit smoking. Pulmonary rehabilitation helps the lungs regain more breathing capacity after a surgery or traumatic event. This kind of therapy may be provided outside of the hospital by an RT. They also work in sleep labs to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea.

Pediatric respiratory therapy

Pediatric RTs focus on newborn and childhood cardiopulmonary issues. Sometimes they work in a hospital, where they care for patients in inpatient units including babies in a neonatal intensive care unit. Some pediatric RTs offer outpatient care for children and adolescents with asthma.

Hospitals frequently have pediatric emergency transport teams that take newborns or children to different facilities by ambulance or helicopter. The teams are generally made up of a nurse and an RT.

Geriatric respiratory therapy

As we age, so do our lungs. Sometimes respiratory therapy can help increase breathing efficiency for older people. Respiratory tract infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and bronchial pneumonia are diseases that a person over the age of 65 is likely to encounter. Geriatric respiratory therapy happens at a hospital, an outpatient facility, or a person’s home.