If you have breathing difficulties, low oxygen levels or are diagnosed with long-term (chronic) heart or lung problems that require breathing treatments and assistance, a respiratory therapist may become involved in your healthcare.

Respiratory Therapists

Respiratory therapists are accredited professionals who provide care and support to patients with breathing difficulties and/or pulmonary issues. Respiratory therapists may work with patients of all ages, from infants to older adults.

Respiratory therapy as a career was first established in the 1930s. Today, there are about 135,800 respiratory therapists in the United States.

Respiratory therapists:

• Administer lifesaving treatment, ranging from breathing treatments to ventilator management.

• Treat and manage chronic respiratory conditions.

• Educate patients about their illnesses and treatment plans.

• Assist in sleep studies, pulmonary function tests and the diagnosis of breathing and sleep disorders.

Respiratory Therapy in the Hospital

When you have a condition that requires a hospital stay, a respiratory therapist may be involved in your care. Your respiratory therapist may:

• Assess your breathing by listening to your breathing sounds.

• Provide breathing treatments.

• Manage breathing and oxygen devices.

• Assess your cough and/or sputum.

• Assess your heart rate and the level of oxygen in your blood.

• Assist with pulmonary clearing techniques such as vest therapy or the use of an Acapella device.

Respiratory Care After Discharge

When you are discharged from the hospital, your doctor writes orders for any necessary respiratory care and support, such as in-home oxygen, breathing treatments or steroids.

A hospital social worker can help you understand what your insurance covers and how to arrange for needed equipment, such as oxygen tanks. You’ll also have follow-up appointments with a pulmonary or primary care doctor.

Respiratory recovery can be a slow process, said Josh White, assistant manager of Aultman’s Respiratory Therapy department.

“You may notice a decrease in your energy level, finding that you tire out sooner than you would have in the past,” White said. “You may need oxygen for activities where you didn’t need it in the past. You should especially be aware that your immune system has been weakened."

Avoiding Respiratory Illnesses

As flu season ramps up, White recommends that you take extra precautions if you have a chronic cardiopulmonary condition or have recently recovered from a respiratory illness. Precautions include:

• Limiting visitors to your home and avoiding contact with young children.

• Limiting exposure to the outside as much as possible. Have someone run errands for you, if possible, and order your groceries for pickup or delivery. If you must go out, wear a mask.

• Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer frequently. Hand washing is the No .1 defense against the spread of illness. Always wash your hands when they are visibly soiled. Don’t be afraid to ask visitors to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer when they enter your home.