Respiratory Therapist Treatment for a Pulmonary Embolism

Respiratory therapists provide management, treatment, evaluation and monitoring of patients with respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. Respiratory therapists can administer oxygen, give drugs for lungs, measure lung function and manage mechanical ventilation.

Symptoms

• Pulmonary embolus is a blood clot in the lungs that causes rapid difficulty in breathing. An embolus most commonly starts in the veins of the leg traveling to the right side of the heart blocking the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. Pulmonary embolus is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

Treatment

• Respiratory therapists are able to use drugs to treatment pulmonary embolism. To break up the blood clot in the lungs, it is essential for the respiratory therapist to immediately use thrombolytics to prevent damage to the body. Respiratory therapist can also choose to use anticoagulants such as heparin or warfarin. Heparin is used in emergency situations. Warfarin is used for the continuing management of pulmonary emboli rather short-term treatment.

Prevention

• Pulmonary embolus can be prevented by adequate blood circulation throughout the body. Respiratory therapists recommend older patients keep active and avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time. Blood status is one of the major causes for embolus formation, therefore keeping blood flow circulating decreases risks for emboli formation.