Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Respiratory therapists interact with a diverse group of patients ranging from newborn and pediatrics to adults and the elderly. Respiratory therapists work closely with physicians and nurses at the bedside of patients. Respiratory therapists are called upon in these and other situations to implement their problem-solving and decision-making skills. They perform a vital role as a member of the health care delivery team.

The diseases/conditions that often require Respiratory Care are:

• asthma

• post operative complications

• pulmonary emphysema

• adult respiratory distress syndrome

• chronic bronchitis

• near-drowning

• acute bronchitis

• smoke inhalation

• pneumonia

• shock

• trauma

• aspiration of gastric contents

• cystic fibrosis

• infant respiratory distress syndrome

• asbestosis (pneumoconioses)

• meconium aspiration

Respiratory Therapists are involved in many specialty areas of the hospital:

• newborn labor and delivery

• pulmonary function laboratory

• neonatal intensive care unit

• hyperbaric oxygenation unit

• pediatric intensive care unit