Respiratory Care

Imagine how frustrating and scary it would be if you couldn’t perform the simple act of breathing independently. Life support equipment, like respiratory care equipment, eliminates this fear and allows individuals to breathe easier. Having the proper equipment can prevent unnecessary trips to the emergency room or provide quick emergency response treatments. 

Types of Respiratory Care Equipment

Respiratory care equipment can range from:

• Oxygen systems and portable oxygen units

• Oxygen concentrators

• Nebulizers

• Mechanical ventilators (also called breathing machines)

• Accessories: headgear, face masks, breathing tubes, air bags, and so forth

This type of equipment makes life simpler for people that have difficulty breathing. The equipment is used by healthcare providers, caregivers, and respiratory care practitioners to address such needs as:

• Providing oxygen therapy to compensate for compromised breathing ability and decreased levels of oxygen in the blood

• Resuscitating patients for varying reasons like heart attack, stroke, drowning, or shock

• Treating premature infants with undeveloped lungs who have conditions such as hyaline membrane disease or pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE)

• Treating breathing difficulties like those caused by chronic lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.

• Treating and managing asthma 

• Supporting breathing requirements for therapy, temporary relief, or lifesaving procedures

Seasonal allergies, or the onset of the cold and flu season, may increase the need for breathing aids. Individuals with diseased lungs or underdeveloped lung capacity are at higher risk and benefit most from respiratory care equipment.

Oxygen Systems and Accessory Items

Being able to transport a dependable supply of oxygen gives individuals greater independence in their daily lives. Instead of being homebound, they can pursue many of their favorite activities with ease. Portable oxygen equipment offers tremendous benefits, but it is important to answer a few basic questions before purchasing such equipment, to make sure an individual’s needs are met.

1. How portable is the unit in terms of weight and size?

2. Can it be operated easily by most people?

3. Can it be used on board an airplane and is it FAA approved?

4. What type of battery backup does it have?

5. How reliable is it?

6. What kind of warranty or guarantees does it include?

Getting the answers to these questions in advance gives individuals peace of mind and a high level of satisfaction with their equipment. In addition, being prepared with the proper equipment that functions well and requires minimum maintenance makes life easier for everyone.

Oxygen concentrators provide a consistent flow of health giving oxygen.  Life-threatening conditions like asthma, shock, trauma, or strangling respond quickly to oxygen.  They can be less expensive than other options, safer to use, and easier to transport. 

Air purification and filtration systems clean air and reduce or eliminate airborne allergens. Individuals suffering from respiratory difficulties may reduce or eliminate their symptoms by using such equipment.

Oximeters measure the level of oxygen in the blood and are used in home care or health care environments. They are non-invasive, painless, and easy to use. The probe is attached to a finger, toe, or earlobe and a reading is taken.

Nebulizers are used in respiratory therapy to treat asthma and other respiratory diseases. The nebulizer turns liquid medications into a fine mist that the individuals inhale. 

Respiratory Care Accessories

Tracheostomy tubes are used in tracheotomies – where an opening is made in the trachea - and the tube is inserted to create a breathing airway. They come in sizes to fit infants to adults.

One may never need mechanical assistance to breathe. However, should the occasion arise, it is empowering to know about the types of respiratory care equipment that are available.