For many patients who are suffering from COPD, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases, regular or continuous respiratory therapy is required to maintain lung function. Many patients are now benefiting from the comfort and convenience of home respiratory therapy. Here are four treatments that can be provided by respiratory therapists at a patient's home.
Supplemental Oxygen Administration
Supplemental oxygen is essential for patients who can no longer receive the oxygen they need from normal respiration. Portable oxygen tanks have arisen as a solution for those who need constant access to supplemental oxygen, but many patients have difficulties operating these portable systems on their own. Fortunately, respiratory therapists can provide assistance with supplemental oxygen systems when providing at-home care.
For patients who only need supplemental oxygen when engaging in physical activity, respiratory therapists can assist with administering supplemental oxygen and removing the device when it is no longer needed. Additionally, at-home respiratory therapists can help patients move their oxygen tank from room to room and make sure no tears or kinks are present in the nasal cannula that could prevent sufficient oxygen delivery.
Home Ventilator Maintenance and Assistance
Ventilators are a life-critical treatment for patients who are physically unable to breathe on their own. These devices mechanically move oxygenated air into and out of the lungs to simulate respiration. Normally, ventilators require regular monitoring that requires an extended hospital stay for patients who are using them.
With at-home respiratory therapy, a therapist will always be available to monitor the device as well as the patient's oxygen levels and other vital signs. The nasal mask or cannula that is used to deliver air to the patient requires regular cleaning and replacement, a service that the at-home respiratory therapist will also be able to provide.
CPAP and BiPAP Therapy
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure are two types of respiratory therapy that are used to deliver pressurized air to the patient's lungs to prevent the throat muscles from closing and inhibiting respiration. CPAP and BiPAP machines are commonly used to treat sleep apnea, although CPAP is also a valuable treatment for patients with COPD.
At-home respiratory therapists can assist with fitting the oxygen mask that is used with their CPAP or BiPAP machine. Occasionally, the pressure settings of the CPAP or BiPAP machine need to be changed, especially if the patient is reporting discomfort or difficulty exhaling. With at-home therapy, a therapist will be available to make adjustments so the patient is always comfortable during their CPAP or BiPAP treatment.
Aerosol Therapy
Aerosol therapy is a treatment that delivers aerosolized bronchodilators to the lungs using a compressor nebulizer system. This treatment relaxes the muscles in the airway, reducing the amount of resistance that the lungs have to overcome to inhale properly. Aerosol therapy is extremely effective for patients with chronic asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions that cause obstruction of the airway.
At-home respiratory care is the perfect solution for patients who need long-term aerosol therapy. Using a compressor nebulizer system can be difficult, as it requires measuring the correct amount of medication, diluting it with a saline solution, pouring the solution into the nebulizer mouthpiece, and then connecting the nebulizer to the compressor. By allowing a respiratory therapist to perform these steps, the patient will be sure that they are receiving the correct amount of medicine during each treatment. Additionally, the therapist can disengage the compressor system and disassemble and clean the nebulizer after each use.
Home respiratory therapy has allowed many patients to receive the treatment they need while still having the satisfaction of living independently at home. Consider home respiratory therapy if you or a loved one is in need of respiratory therapy so your treatment can be as convenient and comfortable as possible.
For more information, talk with respiratory therapy centers or visit websites like http://cornermedical.com/.
Share11 January 2016
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