What Is a Respiratory Therapist?

If you are living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or have trouble breathing, your doctor may suggest that you see a respiratory therapist. A respiratory therapist has a lot of tools available to help you manage your condition and improve the quality of your life.

Scope of Practice

• A respiratory therapist can treat both children and adults with any type of condition that affects lung capacity. They can provide treatment for an ongoing chronic condition or emergency care from someone who is in shock or has had a heart attack or stroke or is a near-drowning victim.

Work Settings

• Respiratory therapists work in many different settings. They can be found in hospitals, nursing homes, doctor's offices and home health agencies. Specialty respiratory care centers and medical supply centers are also places where they may be employed.

Diagnostic Responsibilities

• Respiratory therapists can collect and order tests on sputum, blood and breath to determine lung capacity and the levels of gases in the breath and lungs. This can help to diagnose the type and level of breathing condition you have.

Evaluation Techniques

• A respiratory therapist can put you through a stress test to see if your heart is functioning properly when you are exercising or performing any other strenuous activity. He can also be a part of a team that evaluates and treats you for breathing issues related to sleeping disorders.

Teaching Skills

• If you have a breathing or heart condition that requires you to use medication or a ventilator, your respiratory therapist can help you learn how to properly administer this care. She can monitor your response to the treatment and make adjustments where necessary.

Other Duties

• Some respiratory therapists teach classes for patients with heart and lung issues. Classes can include smoking cessation and low impact aerobics to improve your level of functioning.