Celebrating Respiratory Care Week 2023

Do few things, but do them well

 “Do few things, but do them well. 

Simple joys are holy.”

— St. Francis of Assisi

Cross Reactions

 If you have asthma or COPD with asthma, do not assume a “Natural” label means it’s a natural fit for you.

Consider: A, B, C, D & C, D, E

If you are Latex sensitive or allergic consider avoiding eating/drinking: 

Avocados

Bananas

Chestnuts

Deliciosa Actinidia (kiwifruit) 

If you are Ragweed sensitive or allergic consider avoiding eating/drinking:

Chamomile, 

Dandelion Daisy 

Echinacea

Cross Reactions to certain foods can occur because they share similar structures that the body mistakenly recognizes as the allergens.

Speak to your allergist or healthcare provider about other specific cross reactions. 

Outdoor Air Triggers for COPD and Asthma

Consider the acronym - P.O.A.M.

Pollens
Ozone
Air Quality Index
Molds

You can reduce or plan for your exposure to environmental triggers. POAM can cause individuals with asthma and COPD to have increased or worsening symptoms.

Pay attention to the ozone and air quality index (AQI) in your area. The website AirNow.gov checks the air quality in your area. The website will also help you plan your projected outings and errands on days when the air quality is better. 

Depending on your area, air quality is better earlier in the day. Schedule your errands or outings earlier to decrease your exposure to triggers.

Consider wearing a mask when pollen or mold counts are high.

Air quality outdoors can affect air quality indoors. If possible, keep your windows closed to prevent airborn triggers from entering your home. Replace/clean air filters on your central air, window units, car, and furnace regularly. When in your car, put the air conditioner on “recirculate” to prevent the air conditioner from bringing air in from the outdoors. Wear a mask and gloves when maintaining/changing the filters.  

Transform Respiratory Treatments into THERAPY

3 Steps of 3 to 
Transform Respiratory Treatments into THERAPY -

1. Assessment of:

+ right therapy for the 
+ right indications at the
+ right frequency.

2. Patient instruction to optimize the delivery of the therapy:
+ Optimize breathing pattern & position for specific therapy.
+ Optimize cough & secretion clearance for patient's pathology.
+ Optimize between therapy activities to improve outcomes.

 
3. Patient therapeutic instruction to optimize respiratory education:
+ Basic understanding and pathophysiology of the underlying problem.
+ Basic understanding of their inhaled medications.
+ Basic smoking/vaping cessation counseling.  

 2023 GOLD COPD Update

The latest COPD guidelines from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), has updated its guideline synopses for COPD diagnosis, initial maintenance, treatment, and Exacerbation.

Please refer to the full statement for the unabbreviated guidelines. https://goldcopd.org/ 

 Some of the many Key changes:
- A new classification of COPD exacerbation severity was added.
- The ABCD tool was replaced with the new GOLD ABE Assessment tool, recognizing the clinical independent relevance of exacerbations. 
- An “Exacerbation” is now defined as “increased dyspnea and/or cough and sputum production that worsens over a period of <14 days.”
- Combination LABA+LAMA is recommended up front for patients with more persistent/severe symptoms (Group B).
- Triple treatment (LABA+LAMA+ICS) is recommended in preference to LABA+ICS for patients with more severe symptoms and higher exacerbation risk (Group E).
- Blood eosinophil levels are emphasized as a biomarker to guide treatment decisions.

Are you interested in a career in respiratory therapy?

Introduction to the Respiratory Care Profession

The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) has developed an excellent career guide.

 Be-An-RT.org is designed for individuals embarking on their career planning. From high school students, current college students, or current professionals seeking a career change.

Users visiting the site will learn about the profession, why it’s a great career path, and how to start their journey to be a respiratory therapist.