| Respiratory therapy is categorized as an allied
health profession in the United States and Canada. Respiratory
therapists (RTs), also known as Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP),
specialize in the assessment and treatment of respiratory and
cardiovascular pathologies. These include chronic lung problems
(e.g., asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, COPD), and more acute
multi-systemic problems stemming from other pathological conditions
such as heart attacks, stroke, or trauma as well as complications at
birth. RTs are specialists in airway management, mechanical
ventilation, blood acid/base balance, and critical care medicine.
RTs work closely with other medical disciplines such as physicians,
nurses, speech therapists and physical therapists etc. Respiratory
therapy is usually utilizing products / devices / accessories that
generate, conserve or concentrate oxygen, assist to carry oxygen
products, improve air or breath conditions and deliver medication
into respiratory system through breathing. |
