Pulmonology

Signs and symptoms An exacerbation of asthma is known as a worsening of asthma symptoms with cough and breathlessness. In acute severe asthma, also breathlessness might be very severe as the case that it is difficult to speak more than few words (inability to complete sentences) (Shah and Saltoun, 2012). On examination, the respiratory rate may be increased (greater than 25 breaths per minute), and the heart rate might be rapid (110 beats per minute or higher). Also, reduction in oxygen saturation

Another very important pulmonary function test used in various healthcare settings is lung diffusion capacity testing, also known as DLCO. DLCO stands for diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, measuring the extent in which oxygen passes from the alveoli of the lungs into the bloodstream. Results of this test are used to help determine the amount of damage to the lungs or abnormality, by answering to how well the lungs can move gases into the bloodstream. This test is performed by having

This is a training proposal for the job of respiratory therapist. I propose that we did a web-based training first with test to measure the skill of each candidate before hand. I am choosing this method because I have read that this is the wave of the future with over one billion people using mobile learning worldwide. This will give us a first hand look at how much knowledge the prospective employees have before they start the job. They will be able to log onto a site with a user name and password

Week Five Journal During the clinical experience, I was able to care for a patient with the diagnosis of adult onset asthma. J. D. was a twenty-year-old with a one-year history of mild persistent asthma. His body mass index was 30, and he was a former 1/2 pack per day smoker for one year. Also, other lifestyle factors included social alcohol drinking (1-2 drinks per/day) over the last year since he moved out on his own. He did not regularly exercise, and he admitted to not using his daily Qvar

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening lung condition that prevents enough oxygen from getting to the lungs and into the bloodstream. According to Kacmarek, Stoller and Heuer, “ it has been proposed that ARDS can develop via different mechanisms and the risk factors for ARDS should be categorized either by direct injury to the alveolar space or indirect injury initiated by systemic disease (2014, p. 601)”. Common direct injuries to the lungs can include pneumonia, lung

Respiratory therapists are health care providers who specialize in treating diseases and disorders of the respiratory system. Respiratory therapists contribute to the care of patients by providing specialized therapies designed to aid in and improve ventilation, and thereby, oxygenation of the body’s cells and tissues. As many respiratory complications benefit from standardized therapies, it is often beneficial for respiratory therapist driven protocols to be implemented in health care facilities

Tracheal stenosis. A narrowing of the trachea/windpipe that causes breathing problems. It occurs in instances such as after radiation, extended use of a breathing tube, viral/bacterial infections, a tumor which may press against the trachea restricting air flow, an injury to the throat. It can also occur at birth, at rare times. Tracheal stenosis typically is suspected in individuals with risk factors presenting with signs and symptoms of airway stenosis. The condition may be further suspected based

Into Thin Air Research Assignment High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is an illness that could possibly occur after exposure to high altitudes over 2000 meters. This illness appears after exposure to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and advances into either HAPE or HACE. This occurs because of weak adjustment with the growing altitudes common with climbing mountains. They “are the immediate result of too much, too fast and a general negligence to the body's subtle or in the end, not so subtle warnings

Introduction: Lung capacity is the total amount of air that a person’s lungs can hold. Lung capacity can be increased through aerobic exercises, resulting in a larger lung capacity to provide better oxygen transport throughout the body (2). Only one-third of lung capacity is used for normal activity, but is increased and requires more oxygen when undergoing strenuous activities. Lungs are apart of the respiratory system and help assist in breathing, so when air is inhaled, the lungs push out oxygen

In my current position, as a Registered Respiratory Therapist, I work for a large pulmonary office where my main focus is to take care of patient’s needs by teaching them about their pulmonary disease and helping them improve their breathing. One way that we achieve this goal is by enrolling them in Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Our hypothesis is that through education and exercise; patients improve daily routines, feel better about themselves and function more independently. The null hypothesis would