Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory therapy is described as the assessment and treatment of patients with acute and chronic lung and cardiovascular disorders and diseases. Respiratory therapists have demanding responsibilities related to patient care and are a vital component of the health care team. They must have knowledge of the pathophysiology of the cardiopulmonary system and understand the necessary procedures required to diagnose and treat patients from newborns to the elderly. Respiratory therapy may include treating diseases, infections, or viruses of the cardiopulmonary system such as asthma, emphysema, bronchitis and pneumonia. In certain settings, respiratory therapists may also provide life-saving care to patients.

Symptoms of respiratory therapy: Respiratory therapy signs and symptoms include:

• Breathing rate. An increase in the number of breaths per minute may mean that a person is having trouble breathing or not getting enough oxygen.
• Color changes. A bluish color seen around the mouth, on the inside of the lips, or on the fingernails may happen when a person is not getting as much oxygen as needed. The color of the skin may also appear pale or gray.
• Grunting. A grunting sound can be heard each time the person exhales. This grunting is the body's way of trying to keep air in the lungs so they will stay open.
• Nose flaring. The openings of the nose spreading open while breathing may mean that a person is having to work harder to breathe.
• Retractions. The chest appears to sink in just below the neck or under the breastbone with each breath or both. This is one way of trying to bring more air into the lungs, and can also be seen under the rib cage or even in the muscles between the ribs.

Causes of respiratory therapy: The most common respiratory therapy causes are as follows:

• Smoking and Air Pollution: Smoking’s toxins and air pollution cause damage to the lungs’ alveoli (alveolar membrane). Therefore, it cannot properly immerse gaseous oxygen into the blood. As a result, the patients experience discomfort and shortness of breath.
• Allergies: Some people’s immune systems react poorly to specific chemicals, such as pollen, dust, or animal dander. When allergic people are exposed to these allergens, they experience breathing difficulties.
• Viral Infection: One of the main causes of respiratory disorders is viral infection. Some viruses enter alveoli and produce inflammation, such as influenza viruses, respiratory adenoviruses, and respiratory syncytial viruses.
• Bacterial Infection: Respiratory diseases can also be brought on by some bacteria, including otitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia.

Diagnosis of respiratory therapy: Respiratory therapy tests are done to find out how well your lungs are working. These tests may include:

• Spirometry: In this test, you breathe out quickly and forcefully through a tube connected to a machine. The machine measures how much air the lungs can hold and how quickly air moves in and out of the lungs.
• Lung volume test: This test measures the amount of air the lungs hold at different times when breathing in and out.
• Lung diffusion test: This test shows how well the body moves oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the blood.
• Pulse oximetry: This simple test uses a small device placed on one of your fingers to measure how much oxygen is in your blood. The percentage of oxygen in the blood is called oxygen saturation. You also may have a six-minute walking test with a check of your oxygen saturation.
• Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray may show some lung changes from COPD. An X-ray also can rule out other lung problems or heart failure.
• CT scan: A CT scan of your lungs can show emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Treatment of respiratory therapy: Your physiotherapist will make a treatment plan with you which may include:

• Breathing exercises: Techniques to reduce shortness of breath or help clearing of mucus or phlegm
• Manual techniques: percussion and vibrations to loosen mucus or phlegm
• Positioning: To help lung expansion and clear phlegm
• Exercise programs: Improving activity levels and fitness
• Education and self management: Advice on using inhalers, nebulizers and oxygen
• Prescriptions: Advice and training in using devices to help clear your airway or lung volume loss
• Pulmonary rehabilitation classes in hospitals and community settings

Exercise of respiratory therapy: For people with respiratory therapy , exercising may not always seem easy but not exercising at all can make things worse. In fact, there are a variety of breathing exercises you can do that could help alleviate respiratory therapy symptoms, boost the strength of your lungs, and help improve your ability to do daily activities and physical exercise.

Physical exercises: 

• Stretching: Stretching is relaxing and improves flexibility. Dynamic stretching is a good way for a person to warm up before exercise, and static stretching is a good way to cool down afterward. A person should practice holding a gentle static stretch for 10–30 seconds while breathing slowly and repeat this a few times.
• Aerobic exercise: As it allows the body to use oxygen more efficiently, this form of exercise is generally good for the lungs and heart. Swimming, walking, and cycling are good examples of aerobic exercise. A person with respiratory therapy should aim to do aerobic exercise for about 30 minutes five times a week, which is the advice trusted Source for all adults.
• Resistance training: This strengthens muscles, including those that help with breathing. It usually involves resistance bands and weights, but a person can perform resistance training at home by performing calisthenics exercises, which just use body weight. A person should repeat each exercise no more than 10 times and add small amounts of weight as the repetitions become easier. A doctor or respiratory therapist can provide guidance on a suitable resistance training program.

Breathing exercises:

• Pursed lip breathing: This exercise helps a person take fewer breaths and keep their airways open for longer.
• Diaphragmic breathing: Diaphragmatic breathing, which some people refer to as belly breathing, helps with oxygen flow.

Effective management of Respiratory Therapy at Spine Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre (SPTRC) in Shyamoli requires teamwork among medical professionals and patients, which in turn improves the patients' quality of life.

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