What Is Home Respiratory Therapy?

Home respiratory therapy is a service that provides breathing care for patients by utilizing specific devices, patient education, and patient monitoring. If someone has a medical condition that makes breathing difficult but does not require a hospital stay or nursing home care, a doctor may recommend home respiratory therapy. Respiratory therapy may be recommended for acute or chronic conditions.

A respiratory therapy provider will deliver the breathing device to your home and help to set it up. Respiratory therapy provides education and monitoring as it fits with your specific needs.

Respiratory therapy provides a wide range of medical equipment or breathing devices that are considered safe, effective, convenient, and cost-effective. Respiratory therapy may provide critical support for individuals with severe respiratory diseases. Additionally, having the ability to treat your disease from home can be a safe and effective way to manage your illness and support improved health management at home.

How Does Respiratory Therapy Work?

When your doctor recommends home respiratory therapy, there are several things you can expect. A respiratory therapy provider will deliver, set up, and monitor your device as long as necessary. Typically, your provider will share extensive information regarding the management of your device and illness. Providers will also make regular home visits to conduct safety evaluations and ensure that your equipment is working properly and being used appropriately.

Home respiratory therapy allows patients to continue living independently from the comfort of their own home. Being able to manage your illness from home by using a safe and effective medical device often leads to better outcomes and patient empowerment.

Baptist Health’s Home Respiratory Services

There is a wide range of home respiratory services. At Baptist, home respiratory services include oxygen therapy, and CPAP therapy or sleep apnea management.

Oxygen Therapy

People who have heart or lung conditions that prevent them from getting enough oxygen from the air around them can benefit from oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy uses a breathing device that delivers oxygen to the patient. Not getting enough oxygen can lead to difficulty breathing, memory loss, fatigue, headaches, or confusion. It is especially beneficial for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is the 4th leading cause of death in the US.

CPAP Therapy and Sleep Apnea Management

CPAP therapy and sleep apnea management are often recommended when patients have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when there is an obstruction blocking the airway resulting in a limited amount of air moving in and out of the lungs. The obstruction of airflow reduces the oxygen levels in the blood and increases carbon monoxide levels. Sleep therapy devices include CPAP or Bi-Level (BIPAP) machines, which provide continuous low-pressure airflow that helps to keep the airways open.

What Conditions Can be Treated with Home Respiratory Therapy?

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Emphysema
• Pneumonia
• Congestive heart failure
• Bronchitis
• Asthma
• Lung cancer

Learn More About In-Home Respiratory Services from Baptist Health

If you have a medical condition that makes breathing difficult, in-home respiratory services may be beneficial for you. Please reach out to a respiratory therapist at Baptist Health for more information.