For example, during surgery, anesthesia depresses respiration, so this treatment may be prescribed to help get the patient's lungs back to normal and prevent congestion. Chest physiotherapy also is used on patients suffering from lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, that cause mucus to collect in the lungs. Therapists place patients in positions to help drain mucus, thump and vibrate patients' rib cages, and instruct them to cough. Respiratory therapists also administer aerosols generally liquid medications suspended in a gas that forms a mist which is inhaled and teach patients how to inhale the aerosol properly to assure its effectiveness. Other duties include keeping records of the materials used and charges to patients.
Some therapists teach or supervise other respiratory therapy personnel.
About 9 out of 10 respiratory therapists work in hospitals. Working Conditions Respiratory therapists generally work a 40-hour week. In an emergency, they work under a great deal of stress. Gases used by respiratory therapists are potentially hazardous because they are used and stored under pressure. However, adherence to safety precautions and regular maintenance and testing of equipment minimize the risk of injury.