Respiratory therapy is the specialty of evaluation, treatment, and care of patients with breathing problems.
A respiratory therapist (RT) works under the supervision of a
physician to administer prescribed respiratory therapy to patients with
chronic illnesses such as asthma or emphysema. Respiratory therapists
set up, operate, and monitor devices that provide oxygen or medicine in
the form of a mist or gas to patients. They use and maintain equipment
such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration
apparatus, and aerosol generators. Respiratory therapists are also
responsible for teaching patients about breathing exercises, monitoring
patients' physiological responses to therapy, and maintaining natural
and artificial airways.
