You can live without food for a few weeks. You can live without water for few days. But if you are deprived of air, you will die within minutes. In terms of survival, breathing is your most immediate need.
Most people take breathing for granted.
It's second nature, an involuntary reflex. Yet for thousands of Americans who suffer from breathing problems, each breath is a major accomplishment. Respiratory therapists work under the direction of a physician and assist in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with these types of breathing disorders. To view this video, you will need to download RealPlayer, if you don't already have it. The Role of the Respiratory Therapist Respiratory therapists work with patients of all ages and in many different care settings.