Respiratory Therapists: Experts in Managing Lung Health and Function

There are several main types of respiratory therapy. An RT may specialize in one or more of these types.

Emergency Respiratory Therapy
This type of respiratory therapy takes place in a hospital. RTs provide support inside the emergency room and help people recover from heart surgery or lung failure. Some RTs assist doctors during complex surgeries. They also treat pneumonia. A large part of emergency respiratory therapy involves ventilators. RTs administer or initiate life support for people who need it.

Adult Respiratory Therapy
Adult respiratory therapy takes place in a hospital or home setting. RT can aid in routine care for the maintenance of chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis. Adult respiratory therapy often includes treatment of emphysema. RT sometimes helps to quit smoking.

Pediatric Respiratory Therapy
Pediatric RTs focus on neonatal and childhood cardiopulmonary issues. Sometimes they work in a hospital, where they care for patients in inpatient units, including newborns. Some pediatric RTs provide outpatient care for children and teens with asthma. Hospitals often have pediatric emergency transport teams that transport newborns or children to different facilities by ambulance or helicopter. Teams usually consist of one nurse and one RT.

Geriatric Respiratory Therapy
As we age, our lungs also age. Sometimes respiratory therapy can help increase breathing ability for older people. Respiratory tract infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial pneumonia are diseases that individuals above 65 years of age face. Geriatric respiratory therapy takes place in a hospital, outpatient facility, or at a person's home.

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RT may be necessary in many situations. In almost every case, a primary care physician, pediatrician, or emergency room doctor will tell you if you need RT. Adults over 65 and adults who smoke are the people who most need RT. Premature babies often receive care from RTs as well.

What To Know When Looking For A Respiratory Therapist?
It usually takes two to four years to become an RT. To become a Certified Respiratory Therapist, or CRT, RTs must complete an accredited associate degree program and pass a national examination. RTs also require a license to practice. The American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) grants this license.

The second year of the program is clinical practice. This happens hands-on in a hospital or medical facility. A good RT needs to be intelligent and intuitive. RTs often have the difficult task of providing life support to individuals who may not survive. A good RT will have patience and compassion for the families of those individuals.

RTs are asked to work long, irregular hours, so they require high energy levels. They also need a good work ethic to meet the needs of their patients. RTs must have a passion for learning, as technology in this field is always improving.

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The role of respiratory therapists is increasing. Apart from working in hospitals and clinics, they now also work in community settings. These may include asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) clinics and community health centers, which support people with chronic lung conditions. Older people and those who need long-term care often need the support of respiratory therapy.

Respiratory therapy takes place in neonatal units and pediatric wards. One aspect of this care is monitoring newborns, especially premature babies, for respiratory problems. Additionally, for people born with pulmonary conditions, respiratory therapists help treat or respond to any emergency respiratory needs. People with respiratory problems such as cystic fibrosis and asthma may benefit from respiratory therapy. Additionally, the respiratory therapist can educate children and their parents or caregivers about how to best manage the condition.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation can help people deal with the symptoms of chronic lung diseases, such as emphysema, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and chronic bronchitis. Pulmonary rehabilitation therapists use treatment, education, and exercise programs to make breathing easier for people with chronic lung diseases and improve their quality of life.

Polysomnography
Respiratory therapy is a growing field that is expanding into the treatment and management of sleep disorders. Although sleep disorders and respiratory problems may appear unrelated, problems like sleep apnea can cause breathing difficulties. Individuals experiencing sleep disorders may undergo polysomnography to study their sleep and diagnose sleep disorders. A respiratory therapist may be present for the test and, depending on the results, can provide care to the person.

Respiratory therapists work with individuals who require the assistance of a ventilator when they are unable to breathe independently. Many factors may cause someone to need a ventilator, including trauma or a specific illness.

However, managing a person on a ventilator is complex. Although these machines can be lifesaving, keeping someone on a ventilator too late or longer than necessary can lead to serious complications. Therefore, respiratory therapists monitor their patients carefully to ensure that they are providing optimal care.

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When choosing a respiratory therapist, it is important to choose someone patient and compassionate, as they need to provide emotional support to both the person needing care and those close to them. Additionally, they should understand the stress that everyone faces when a loved one faces health problems.

Anyone who needs help choosing a respiratory therapist can consult a primary care physician for advice.

Your doctor may have already talked to you about respiratory therapy. People with chronic lung disease or who have been in the hospital for a period of time sometimes need respiratory therapy. Talk to your doctor if you think you would benefit from this type of therapy.