Respiratory Therapy
| Definition: |
Care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system. It includes the therapeutic use of medical gases and their administrative apparatus, environmental control systems, humidification, aerosols, ventilatory support, bronchopulmonary drainage and exercise, respiratory rehabilitation, assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and maintenance of natural, artificial, and mechanical airways. |
| Notes: |
do not use /util except by MeSH definition; do not confuse with ADMINISTRATION, INHALATION |
| Also Called: |
Inhalation Therapy |
Respiratory Therapy Categories.
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Chest Wall Oscillation - A respiratory support system used to remove mucus and clear airway by oscillating pressure on the chest. |
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Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation - Application of a life support system that circulates the blood through an oxygenating system, which may consist of a pump, a membrane oxygenator, and a heat exchanger. Examples of its use are to assist victims of smoke inhalation injury, respiratory failure, and cardiac failure. |
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Oxygen Inhalation Therapy - Inhalation of oxygen aimed at restoring toward normal any pathophysiologic alterations of gas exchange in the cardiopulmonary system, as by the use of a respirator, nasal catheter, tent, chamber, or mask. (From Dorland, 27th ed & Stedman, 25th ed) |
Respiratory Therapy Definitions and Terms
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