Respiratory therapy, new patient visit

A visit to a respiratory therapist is recommended for patients with lung disease or diseases affecting the breathing muscles. These include patients that suffered acute respiratory distress syndromes, such as Covid-19 ICU survivors, cystic fibrosis, certain neuromuscular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, patients with emphysema, obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, or certain heart diseases that cause pulmonary hypertension. During an outpatient visit to a respiratory therapist, he/she will perform a complete lung examination. You may also receive education on the use of respiratory equipment as well as respiratory exercises to strengthen muscles or help expel excess mucus. During these visits, you may also be referred to take a Pulmonary Function Test (PFTs) or to a pulmonary rehabilitation program.