Respiratory care is a critical part of any hospital. People working in this field assist patients who have breathing issues. A respiratory therapist or care worker works with doctors. They can help a premature infant, adults, and seniors with lung disease. This is done with the help of various products like ventilators, respirators, resuscitators, and more. Read on to know more about the field of respiratory care and what jobs one can do.
Respiratory care products
To understand products uses in respiratory care, here are some devices and products that help in managing issues related to one’s airways.
Resuscitators
Positive pressure is delivered manually to patients with difficulty breathing using resuscitators. These devices are often used temporarily until the patient can be switched to a ventilator. These respiratory care devices can help improve patient outcomes.
Respirator
This is a piece of breathing equipment that is often used. A respirator is required to avoid diseases caused by breathing contaminated air. In addition, these devices are critical for protecting patients from potentially hazardous conditions, including low oxygen levels and possibly harmful airborne pollutants.
Ventilator
Depending on the patient’s condition, he/she may be put on a ventilator. It can simulate breathing by pumping air into the patient’s lungs. Generally, a doctor will recommend a ventilator for any patient with breathing difficulty or if they’re undergoing surgery.
Oxygen concentrator
An oxygen concentrator is an essential component in respiratory care. If a patient has a common respiratory ailment like asthma, COPD, or the flu, a doctor can prescribe a concentrator to help them maintain their oxygen levels.
Air purifiers
This type of device can improve the quality of the air that a person breathes. You can use it at home or work if you have asthma, allergies, or a respiratory problem.
Portable oxygen systems for emergencies
These systems contain a mask, tubing, and a robust casing that transports medically pure oxygen. In an emergency, it is essential to keep such devices handy where they may be located and utilized immediately.
Pulse oximeters
This small, clip-on device is straightforward to use on its own. It is painless and non-invasive. An oximeter is frequently placed on a finger. It measures how well your heart delivers oxygen to your body. A person’s blood oxygen and pulse rates can also be assessed.
Respiratory care services
Respiratory care services focus on acute and critical care, and treats patients of all ages. Another service provided to both intubated and non-intubated patients is nitric oxide administration. In addition, Heliox therapy is administered to patients with various types of airway obstruction. High-frequency ventilation is administered to adults, children, and newborns.
Respiratory care jobs
Statistics suggest that employment in this field is expected to grow by 14 percent till 2031. Listed below are some popular specialities respiratory therapists can choose.
Breathing therapy in an emergency
Hospitals employ respiratory therapists with competence in emergency respiratory care. They work in emergency rooms, where they help patients recover from life-threatening illnesses such as pneumonia, heart surgery, and lung failure.
Geriatric respiratory care
When a person reaches the age of 65 or older, their lungs may lose efficiency and require additional care. Respiratory therapists treat elderly patients with bronchial pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and respiratory tract infections.
Adult respiratory therapy
Adult patients with emphysema, cystic fibrosis, or who require lung rehabilitation after surgery may benefit from respiratory therapy treatment. In addition to respiratory care jobs, one may consider the following respiratory therapy occupations:
- Adult Critical Care Specialty
- Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist
- Polysomnography specialist
- Neonatal-Pediatric Respiratory Care
- Registered Sleep Technologist
- Respiratory Sleep Disorder Specialist
As a respiratory care professional one can expect to work under intense strain. They will have to stand for extended periods, and may have to carry another person’s weight. Such professionals are expected to have a compassionate demeanor. In addition, one should have decent physiological knowledge, excellent speaking and listening skills, and the patience to train patients of all ages.
