When to See a Respiratory Care Therapist?

When To See a Respiratory Care Therapist?

For most of us, breathing comes naturally. It’s something we don’t have to even think about, but it’s vital for life, giving our lungs the opportunity to begin the process of infusing our blood with oxygen to carry to every cell in our bodies.

But what happens when it’s not so easy? For those who suffer from chronic lung disease and other conditions, breathing problems interfere with quality of life and can even cause medical emergencies. Fortunately, respiratory care therapists, certified medical professionals who treat breathing problems, are here to help.

While some respiratory care therapists, or RCTs, work in emergency rooms and hospitals, others work in the outpatient setting, nursing homes and other care facilities like sleep centers. Some RCTs work with adults who have chronic breathing problems, who are trying to quit smoking, or who are having trouble regaining lung capacity after atraumatic event, such as an injury. Pediatric respiratory care therapists work with premature infants and children with problems such as insufficient lung development and asthma. RCTs who work in an emergency room are there to help with intubation, life support and other treatments.

Seeing a Respiratory Care Therapist

Your physician, whether a primary care doctor, specialist or emergency medical physician, will refer you to a respiratory therapist when needed. Those who suffer from the following breathing difficulties and other conditions are more likely to need the care of an RCT:

• Acute     respiratory distress syndrome or other breathing problems occurring after illness or injury
• ALS     (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Chronic     obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Cystic     fibrosis
• Emphysema
• Lung     cancer
• Pulmonary     fibrosis
• Sleep     apnea
• Spinal     muscular dystrophy
• Parkinson’s     disease
• Underdeveloped     lungs, such as in newborns

Treatment for Breathing Problems

Treatment by a respiratory care therapist depends on the condition being treated but can include the administration of medications, checking vital signs and oxygen levels, lung function testing. RCTs also work to help you manage your breathing problems, walking you through how to avoid symptom triggers and understanding your physician’s treatment program. This type of care combines treatment, education and exercise for many patients.

As helpful as therapy from a qualified respiratory care therapist can be, it is important to recognize the difference between symptoms that can wait for therapy and those that require emergency medical attention. If you or someone you know are having extreme breathing problems, such as rapid or shallow breathing, an inability to catch the breath, or even difficulty breathing that is accompanied by fainting, nausea, confusion, dizziness, sweating, wheezing or chest pain, come to Laredo Emergency Room right away for the emergency respiratory care you need. Our trained emergency physicians will have you breathing easy in no time – with no wait.

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