What is a Respiratory Therapist?

Most people take breathing for granted. It's second nature, an involuntary reflex. But for the thousands of Americans who suffer from breathing problems, each breath is a major accomplishment. Those people include patients with chronic lung problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema, but they also include heart attack and accident victims; premature infants; and people with cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, or AIDS.

In each case, the person will most likely receive treatment from a respiratory therapist (RT) under the direction of a physician. Respiratory therapists work to evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Learn more about this exciting profession from the AARC, the U. S. Department of Labor (just select your state for local information), and the National Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Respiratory Health Tips
Get valuable information about respiratory health concerns. Just click to learn more about these key respiratory health issues:

• All You Need to Know About COPD
  
• Exercising Safely with COPD
  
• Lessening the Effects of COPD
  
• Eating Right: Tips for the COPD Patient
  
• Cystic Fibrosis
  
• The Process of Quitting Smoking
  
• Secondhand Smoke
  
• Lessening the Effects of Sleep Apnea
  
• Helping Your Child Breathe Easier
  
• Dealing with Allergies
  
• Living with Asthma
  
• Home Oxygen Therapy
  
• Respiratory Home Health Care
  
• Coping with Indoor Air Pollution
  
• Minimizing the Effects of Outdoor Air Pollution
  
• The Effects of Ozone Pollution
  
• Tuberculosis

Test Your Respiratory Health "I.Q."
Test your knowledge of respiratory health issues with these fun online "I.Q." tests.

• Check Your Asthma I.Q.
  
• Check Your Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I.Q.
  
• Check Your Cystic Fibrosis I.Q.
  
• Check Your Home Oxygen Therapy I.Q.
  
• Check Your Outdoor Air Pollution I.Q.
  
• Check Your Ozone I.Q.
  
• Check Your Pneumonia I.Q.
  
• Check Your Respiratory Home Health Care I.Q.
  
• Check Your Secondhand Smoke I.Q.
  
• Check Your Sleep Apnea I.Q.
  
• Check Your Smoking I.Q.
  
• Check Your Tuberculosis I.Q.

Other Useful Links

• Skilled Nursing Facility Selection
• Taking Control of Your Medications
• The Truth (anti-smoking group)
  • "Body Bag" Video

The information linked to and contained on this website is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have medical concerns, please consult your physician or respiratory therapist.