Administer medications in aerosol form to help alleviate breathing problems and to help prevent respiratory infections. Monitor equipment and patient response to therapy Conduct rehabilitation activities, such as low-impact aerobic exercise classes to help patients who suffer from chronic lung problems. Maintain a patient's artificial airway, one that may be in place to help the patient who can not breathe through normal means. Conduct smoking cessation programs for the hospital patients and other patients in the community who want to kick the tobacco habit. Patients Patients treated by respiratory therapists range from premature infants to the elderly.
Therapists work with adults who have chronic lung problems such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Therapists also work with children who have asthma and cystic fibrosis. Respiratory therapists are present during high-risk deliveries, where a premature infant may be at risk for breathing complications. And when accident victims lose the ability to breathe on their own, respiratory therapists help administer lifesaving oxygen. Respiratory therapists are members of the response teams that handle patient emergencies in the hospital. People who have debilitating lung problems, whether from disease or trauma, may never regain their full lung function.