Respiratory Therapist
The respiratory therapist can help patients who have been newly diagnosed or who have poorly controlled asthma, COPD, or other related lung conditions. The RT works with physicians to confirm diagnoses for asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) using spirometry. Our Team RT is a member of the smoking cessation counselling program.
Role of the Respiratory Therapist in Respiratory Health Care
- The Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a vital member of the allied health team, working under the direct supervision of your physician and/or nurse practitioner to assess and improve your overall respiratory health.
- The Respiratory Therapist's key responsibilities include:
- Conducting spirometry tests: This helps measure lung function, allowing the RT to evaluate your breathing capacity and detect potential respiratory issues.
- Assessing inhaler technique: The RT ensures you are using all prescribed inhalers correctly, optimizing the effectiveness of your medications.
- Reviewing respiratory medical history: This includes a detailed discussion of symptoms, medical history, and potential environmental or lifestyle triggers for respiratory conditions.
Through these assessments, the Respiratory Therapist plays an essential role in helping your healthcare provider diagnose conditions such as:
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Other respiratory conditions
By working closely with your physician and nurse practitioner, the RT helps ensure the best possible care for managing or diagnosing lung conditions, with a focus on improving your breathing and quality of life.
Nejwa Elsayed, RRT, CRE | 519-471-8506 |
Patient Resources
PDF Resources
- Information about your Respiratory Therapy Appointment
- Adult Asthma Action Plan
- COPD Action Plan
- Pediatric Asthma Action Plan
- Handout: How to use and maintain an AeroChamber: ACFV_mp_EN.pdf
Website Links
- Air Quality: Air quality | Canadian Lung Association
- Asthma: Asthma Canada or Asthma: What you need to know | Canadian Lung Association
- COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Association or Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | Canadian Lung Association
- Chronic Cough: Chronic Cough | Canadian Lung Association
- Interstitial Lund Disease: Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) | Canadian Lung Association
- Spirometry Testing Information – who should be tested, what to expect, and things to know before the appointment.
https://www.lung.ca/lung-health/lung-disease/spirometry - Smoking or Vaping: Smoking & Vaping | Canadian Lung Association
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Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program: Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation : BREATHE Better | Stay STRONG | Canadian Lung Association