What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?

Breathing life into our hospitals and clinics…

As unsung heroes of healthcare, it is important that we highlight that respiratory therapists play a crucial role in the lives of patients facing respiratory challenges. In this blog, we will celebrate them by focusing on their daily responsibilities, shedding light on the expertise and dedication required to navigate the complexities of lung health.

From diagnosing respiratory disorders to implementing personalized treatment plans, respiratory therapists are at the forefront of ensuring that each breath is a step toward improved well-being. Join us as we delve into the daily routines, compassionate care, and the evolving landscape of respiratory therapy, showcasing the invaluable contributions these professionals make to the healthcare ecosystem.

To all the prospective students who are looking to further their education and complete their bachelor’s degree, this our salute to you as professionals and our thanks for playing a vital role the healthcare ecosystem.

Diagnosing and Recommendations

Diagnosing lung and breathing disorders involves a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s respiratory health to identify any abnormalities or impairments. This process often includes a combination of:

• medical history reviews
• physical examinations
• specialized tests
• pulmonary function tests
• imaging studies.

Once a precise diagnosis is established, healthcare professionals can formulate tailored treatment plans to address the specific disorder or condition. There are a number disorders or conditions that RRTs handle on a daily basis.  They can include:

• Sleep Apnea
• Emphysema
• Bronchitis
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• COVID-19
• Many more…

Treatment methods may vary depending on the nature and severity of the respiratory issue, ranging from lifestyle modifications and medication regimens to more advanced interventions such as respiratory therapies or surgical procedures. The ultimate goal is to optimize lung function, alleviate symptoms, and enhance overall respiratory well-being, ensuring that individuals receive personalized and effective care based on their unique medical needs.

Device Management

In the realm of respiratory care, a critical facet involves the adept management of ventilators and artificial airway devices to support patients who find themselves unable to breathe autonomously. Respiratory therapists take on the responsibility of meticulously configuring and monitoring these life-sustaining devices, ensuring they provide the precise level of respiratory assistance tailored to each patient’s unique needs. This intricate task requires a delicate balance of technical expertise, medical knowledge, and compassionate care. Whether it be adjusting ventilator settings, troubleshooting equipment issues, or collaborating with a multidisciplinary healthcare team, respiratory therapists play a pivotal role in maintaining optimal respiratory function for individuals who, due to various medical conditions, are reliant on external support for their breathing. This crucial aspect of their work exemplifies the intersection of technology and human touch in the pursuit of restoring and sustaining the breath of life.

Interviews and Exams

Conducting insightful interviews and thorough chest physical exams stands as a cornerstone in the realm of respiratory therapy, guiding healthcare professionals to discern the most suitable therapeutic approach for patients grappling with respiratory conditions. Respiratory therapists skillfully engage in patient interviews, attentively probing into medical histories and symptoms to gain insights into the individual’s respiratory health. Coupled with this, chest physical exams offer a hands-on assessment, allowing therapists to identify physical indicators and assess lung function. Through this meticulous process, a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s condition emerges, enabling the formulation of personalized and effective strategies. This holistic approach not only empowers respiratory therapists to diagnose respiratory ailments accurately but also ensures that the subsequent interventions align seamlessly with the needs of each patient, fostering a pathway towards enhanced respiratory well-being.

Working with Physicians

Collaboration lies at the heart of effective respiratory care. Respiratory therapists actively engage in consultations with physicians and make recommendations based on the comprehensive evaluations of patients. By synthesizing information gathered from interviews, physical exams, and diagnostic tests, respiratory therapists are able to contribute

valuable insights to the overall patient care plan. This collaborative process fosters a symbiotic relationship between therapists and physicians, where the therapists’ specialized knowledge of respiratory function informs discussions on potential changes in therapy. Whether suggesting modifications to medication regimens, proposing alterations in ventilator settings, or recommending alternative therapeutic approaches, this collaborative effort ensures that the patient’s evolving needs are met with a nuanced and responsive healthcare strategy. The synergy between respiratory therapists and physicians underscores the interdisciplinary nature of healthcare, emphasizing the importance of shared expertise in tailoring interventions to optimize respiratory health outcomes for each individual patient.

Working with Families

Empowering patients and their families through education becomes pivotal as therapists take on the role of educators to facilitate understanding and engagement in the recovery process from lung diseases. By providing clear and accessible information about the nature of respiratory conditions, available treatment options, and lifestyle modifications, respiratory therapists enable patients and their families to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare journey.

This educational component extends beyond the immediate treatment phase, fostering a proactive approach to managing and preventing respiratory issues. Through effective communication and personalized guidance, therapists give patients the ability to take charge of their respiratory health. Ultimately, this emphasis on education serves as a catalyst for patients and their families to navigate the complexities of their condition and maximizes the potential for recovery and long-term well-being.

About UC Online’s Respiratory Therapy Programs

All of the students who are admitted into the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program at the University of Cincinnati are RRTs who have obtained their license and are looking to differentiate themselves in the field.  In addition to our CoARC accredited Bachelor’s degree, the University of Cincinnati is proud to offer a respiratory degree at every level.  UC Clermont Campus offers an Associate degree that allows students to obtain their license and enter the field, while main campus helps students further their degree with a Bachelor’s or Master’s.

We can’t thank you enough!

The work respiratory therapists do every day combines a blend of expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication. From diagnosing respiratory disorders and managing ventilators to conducting patient interviews and offering crucial education, these healthcare professionals work tirelessly to enhance the respiratory well-being of individuals.

When looking at their daily routines, it becomes evident that respiratory therapists are not merely practitioners of a profession; they are advocates for life, orchestrating a symphony of care that extends far beyond the confines of a hospital room or clinic. Their commitment to ensuring that every breath counts, coupled with their profound impact on patients and families, underscores the indispensable role they play in the intricate tapestry of healthcare.

We celebrate the respiratory therapists whose daily efforts breathe life into the pursuit of a healthier, more vibrant future for all. Thank you again!