Respiratory therapy is a medical profession that cares for patients with various respiratory conditions. They diagnose, treat, and manage patients with a broad range of respiratory conditions, such as asthma and cystic fibrosis. Respiratory therapists also work with patients who have sleep apnea, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases. Respiratory therapists work in many settings, including critical care units in hospitals, helping patients who are on a ventilator to breathe. If you’re interested in respiratory therapy, read on to learn more about the role it plays in lung cancer treatment.
What is the role of respiratory therapy in lung cancer treatment?
First, it’s important that you understand a little bit about lung cancer. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States. Each year, more people die from lung cancer than from breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined. The majority of lung cancers are caused by smoking cigarettes. However, there are other causes of this type of cancer, including exposure to secondhand smoke, radiation, and asbestos. How cancer is treated and what therapies are beneficial for patients can vary significantly.
The respiratory therapists at your cancer center may be able to offer some guidance on how respiratory therapy might benefit lung cancer patients. Generally speaking, respiratory therapy can improve lung function and reduce respiratory symptoms in patients with cancer. This might include clearing secretions from the lungs, improving breathing patterns, and helping to manage oxygen therapy. In addition, respiratory therapy can also elevate the quality of life for cancer patients. It can provide relief from shortness of breath and other respiratory symptoms, which can allow patients to feel more comfortable and active.
There’s no doubt that cancer is a frightening disease and it can be difficult to stay positive during cancer treatment. When you’re first told you have cancer, it can feel like your world is crashing down around you, but remember that you’re not alone. Thousands of people are fighting cancer every day, and there’s no reason you can’t be one of the many that win the battle.
How can you become a respiratory therapist?
There are many ways to become a respiratory therapist, and the type of job you want will determine what educational background you will need. If you want to work in respiratory therapy at a high level, you should complete your doctorate in respiratory therapy. A doctorate will allow you to work in a number of advanced roles within the field, such as in clinical research, teaching, or administration. Additionally, a doctorate will give you the opportunity to learn about the latest advancements and to stay up-to-date on the latest research in the field.
If you’re looking for a career with excellent job security and good earning potential, respiratory therapy may be a great fit for you. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), respiratory therapists are in high demand, with job growth expected to exceed 23 percent through 2030. Additionally, respiratory therapists earn above-average salaries, with the median annual wage coming in at $61,830 as of July 2022.
As you can see, respiratory therapists play a critical role in our healthcare ecosystem. They provide essential care to patients with many different respiratory diseases, including those with lung cancer. Becoming a respiratory therapist does involve earning the required educational credentials, which can vary depending on what type of job you want. If you want to be at the top of the field, a doctorate is usually a wise investment in your future. Follow this advice and you’ll be well on your way to a successful career in respiratory
