Respiratory therapy
Respiratory Therapy
Respiratory therapy (pronounced: /rɪˈspɪrətɔːri θɛrəpi/) is a specialized healthcare profession that involves the assessment and treatment of patients with both acute and chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system.
Etymology
The term "respiratory therapy" comes from the Latin respirare, meaning "to breathe", and the Greek therapeia, meaning "healing".
Related Terms
- Pulmonology: The branch of medicine that deals with the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases affecting the lungs.
- Cardiopulmonary: Pertaining to both the heart and the lungs.
- Respiratory Therapist: A specialized healthcare practitioner trained in pulmonary medicine in order to work therapeutically with people suffering from pulmonary disease.
- Mechanical Ventilation: The method of assisting or replacing spontaneous breathing using a mechanical ventilator.
Overview
Respiratory therapists work with patients of all ages, from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to elderly people with lung disease. They provide treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis. Respiratory therapists are also key members of the hospital's life-saving response team, which handles patient emergencies like heart attacks, strokes, shock, or drowning.
Education and Training
To become a Respiratory Therapist, one must complete a degree from an accredited respiratory therapy program. This is typically a two-year associate degree, but four-year bachelor's degree programs are also available. After graduation, therapists must also pass a national exam to become certified.
Role in Healthcare
Respiratory therapists often work in hospital settings, but they also provide care in nursing homes, private homes, and rehabilitation centers. In these settings, they are responsible for operating and maintaining various types of equipment, from mechanical ventilators to oxygen supply devices.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Respiratory therapy
- Wikipedia's article - Respiratory therapy
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