Ask the Respiratory Therapist with Jasmine and Kayla: Insights from AnsibleChat
Respiratory therapists play a vital role in the management of pulmonary conditions. They help patients learn how to breathe properly, use medical equipment, and maintain their overall lung health. In this blog post, we will share insights from a recent AnsibleChat session featuring respiratory therapists Jasmine and Kayla, who answered questions from patients and shared their expertise on various topics related to pulmonary care.
Note: The information provided within this blog post is based on an AnsibleChat session featuring respiratory therapists Jasmine and Kayla from AnsibleHealth and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan or implementing new techniques or devices into your routine.
Kayla's Bio:
Kayla is a registered respiratory therapist with AnsibleHealth’s clinical team. She brings more than fourteen years of experience. As a professional in the healthcare industry, she has been part of the care for a vast population of patients with cardiopulmonary illness, both acute and chronic. While Kayla has worked in various healthcare settings, she has extensive knowledge and experience (ten years) working in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. Patient advocacy and education are her passion. “It is an incredible and rewarding feeling to empower patients to not only understand their disease and how to manage it, but to see them confidently living a longer, healthier, and fulfilling life.”
Jasmine's Bio:
Jasmine Capener is a highly skilled respiratory therapist with an impressive 15-year career dedicated to enhancing respiratory health. Her expertise spans across a diverse spectrum, including acute care, pulmonary rehabilitation, pulmonary diagnostics, and long-term care. Jasmine's unwavering commitment to her patients, combined with her extensive experience, makes her an invaluable asset in the field of respiratory therapy. Her passion for improving the lives of those with respiratory challenges is a testament to her exceptional skills and compassionate care.
Below we've compiled the key takeaways from the dialogue between Jasmine, Kayla, and our patient community members. These insights are derived from the questions and discussions that occurred during our recent AnsibleChat session.
Inspiratory Muscle Trainers (IMT):
An Inspiratory Muscle Trainer (IMT) is a device designed to strengthen the diaphragm by providing resistance during inhalation. This can help improve breathing capacity and overall lung function for individuals living with pulmonary conditions. When using an IMT, it is essential to ensure that you are using proper technique and following the guidance of your healthcare provider or respiratory therapist.
Breathing Techniques:
Good, relaxed, mindful, controlled breathing is essential for managing pulmonary conditions. Practicing pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic (belly) breathing can help strengthen respiratory muscles and promote better oxygen exchange in the lungs. Respiratory therapists often recommend practicing these techniques before engaging in physical activity or when feeling short of breath.
Spacer Use with Inhalers:
Using a spacer with metered-dose inhalers can significantly increase the amount of medication that reaches the lungs. Without a spacer, only about 30% of the medication reaches the lungs, while using a spacer increases that amount to around 70%. It is essential to use a spacer as directed by your healthcare provider or respiratory therapist and clean it regularly to ensure optimal usage.
Managing Shortness of Breath:
When experiencing shortness of breath, it can be helpful to utilize certain techniques or tools to improve your breathing. One such technique is using a fan to provide a continuous flow of air near your face while focusing on proper breathing techniques like pursed-lip breathing or diaphragmatic breathing. This can help reduce feelings of air hunger and improve overall comfort during periods of shortness of breath.
Continuity of Care:
It is crucial for patients with pulmonary conditions to communicate effectively with all members of their healthcare team. This includes sharing any changes in medications or treatment plans with all providers involved in their care. Ensuring continuity of care helps create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses each patient's unique needs.
Conclusion:
Respiratory therapists are valuable resources for individuals living with pulmonary conditions. Their expertise in managing lung health through proper breathing techniques, equipment usage, and patient education can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Engaging in regular discussions with respiratory therapists and other healthcare providers is essential for maintaining optimal lung health and managing pulmonary conditions effectively.
If you want to learn more about pulmonary rehabilitation or other topics related to pulmonary health and wellbeing, we invite you to join our community of guests for the next discussion. Our next AnsibleChat is happening on September 25th, 2023. In this upcoming session we will introduce our AnsibleChat guests to our exercise physiologist Bridget Winay in a meeting titled “Importance of Mobility and how it helps individuals living with COPD”
Sign up below - we hope to see you there!
