Managing and restoring pulmonary function through individualized respiratory therapy

Respiratory therapy is a healthcare specialty that focuses on helping patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. It involves assessing, diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with acute or chronic respiratory conditions. The goals of respiratory therapy are to improve lung function, ease breathing difficulties, and ensure optimal oxygen delivery throughout the body.

We help patients recover from all kinds of traumatic injuries and serious illnesses. In the early stages — also known as acute or intensive care — intubation and assisted breathing are often necessary. In our post-acute care settings, respiratory therapists administer oxygen, manage ventilators, perform pulmonary function tests, provide airway management, and educate patients on techniques to improve lung function.

At Nexus, we strive to help patients wean off ventilators as soon as possible. While ventilators can provide vital breathing support when patients are unable to breathe independently, prolonged use carries significant risks. Potential complications of extended mechanical ventilation include ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), muscle weakness, and psychological effects such as delirium. It can also make it harder for patients to breathe on their own in the future by causing issues such as barotrauma (damage from high pressure) and volutrauma (damage from high lung volumes).

To determine when it is medically safe to begin ventilator weaning, our experienced respiratory therapy team monitors everything from lung function and oxygenation levels to overall medical stability and emotional wellbeing. Techniques such as spontaneous breathing trials may also be used to evaluate whether patients can maintain adequate respiration without mechanical assistance. Successful weaning leads to faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and improved outcomes.