Respiratory Care is a life-supporting, life-enhancing health care profession practiced under qualified medical direction. This health care professional specialty promotes optimal cardiopulmonary function and health and uses scientific principles to identify and treat acute or chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system. Respiratory Care also includes:

• Prevention
• Assessment
• Treatment
• Management
• Control
• Diagnostic evaluation
• Education
• Care

The health care profession offers a unique opportunity for the blending of advanced technology with patient care.

Simply put, Respiratory Care is the medical science behind caring for your lungs, in sickness and in health, in the best way possible.

Who Needs Respiratory Care?

People who need Respiratory Care may have chronic lung problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. However, other people who have had heart attacks, been involved in accidents, or are born prematurely might also need Respiratory Care. Those who have cystic fibrosis, lung and other types of cancer, or AIDS may also need this special care in order to breathe easier.

People of every age need Respiratory Care — from premature infants to the advanced in age. And, we all need Respiratory Care to help us focus on keeping our lungs healthy.