Laura Castricone, CRT

Oxygen Therapy

Things To Keep In Mind When Using Oxygen at Home

Always post “no smoking” signs on your front and back doors. To notify people and the fire department to know where oxygen is in the case of a fire. Learn More

Oxygen Therapy

WHAT IS AN OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR

An oxygen concentrator (also referred to an oxygen generator) manufactures its own oxygen by utilizing molecular sieve beds to sift out the trace elements in room air. It is an electrical or battery-operated device. Concentrators come in many varieties, both stationary and portable and high and low liter flows.

Peak Flow Meters/Spirometers

What Is A Peak Flow Meter And Who Needs One?

A peak flow meter is a very inexpensive tool to help a person who suffers from asthma, COPD, or other lung disease(s) to monitor their lung function, specifically peak flows.Consider adding a peak flow meter to your daily routine if you have asthma, emphysema, or another chronic lung disease.

Snoring

ALTERNATIVES TO CPAP THERAPY

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy, or CPAP therapy, is not for everyone. I have set up thousands of patients on CPAP therapy and for every successful patient, there are at least 10 others who cannot adapt to it. So, what is the recommendation for patients who have obstructive sleep apnea but do not want to, or cannot, use a PAP device?

Winter Season

HEALTHIER LUNGS FOR THE WINTER

Just like every other system in our bodies, our respiratory system, especially if impaired by disease, needs its own special attention. Whether or not you suffer from asthma, emphysema, or no overt lung disease at all, certain foods and lifestyles lend themselves to healthier lungs.

PEP Therapy

WHAT IS A PEP (POSITIVE EXPIRATORY PRESSURE) DEVICE?

PEP is an abbreviation for Positive Expiratory Pressure. know about PAP Device

Pulse Oximeters

What Is A Pulse Oximeter and How Does It Work?

A pulse oximeter is one of those items that should be in any healthcare toolbox, especially if the person suffers from any pulmonary disease(s) such as emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, heart disease, or shortness-of-breath secondary to any disease state.

Spacers and Inhalers

WHAT IS A “SPACER” AND WHO USES ONE?

In the respiratory world when we refer to a “spacer” we are referencing a product that is used with an inhaler.

Tracheal Care Accessories

WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY TRACHEOSTOMY DECANNULATION?

A decannulation is when the tracheostomy tube is removed from the neck This is a procedure planned by a physician

Peak Flow Meters/Spirometers

INCENTIVE SPIROMETRY (IST)

As a hospital protocol, a patient will be put on IST (incentive spirometry therapy) after any type of surgery. The purpose of this therapy is to avoid pneumonia post-surgery. After surgery, most patients are bed-bound for days if not weeks. This takes its toll on the patient’s muscular, cardiac, and respiratory systems. Here we are going to address the respiratory system.

Breathing Techniques

Breathing and Energy Conservation Techniques

Energy conservation techniques and breathing maneuvers help those who have breathing problems when going about their activities of daily living (ADL).

Making A Difference

WHAT DO RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS DO?

Respiratory therapists guide other providers on the setting and changes of respiratory equipment. They work with the RNs and paramedics on Life Flights. Learn More