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My name is Laura Castricone and I am a Certified Respiratory Therapist. I have been practicing in the state of Connecticut since 1992. I have worked in several aspects of respiratory care including sleep medicine, critical care, rehab, and home care. I earned my respiratory certification at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. Prior to becoming an RT, I attended the University of Connecticut pursuing a degree in English but left Uconn in my junior year to work with my father in the restaurant business. I stayed with him for over a dozen years. An education, by the way, that can never be bought! Once I married and had children, the restaurant business no longer fit my lifestyle. When my children were one and two years old, I decided to go back to school and that is where my career in respiratory care began. This career has been very rewarding and I have been blessed to meet some extraordinary people along the way. I grew up in Waterbury, CT, and now live in Litchfield County, CT with my husband and our crazy Jack Russell terrier, Hendrix. My hobbies include antiquing, gardening, writing plays, and painting miniature paintings.
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
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.
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.
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?
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.
WHAT IS A PEP (POSITIVE EXPIRATORY PRESSURE) DEVICE?
PEP is an abbreviation for Positive Expiratory Pressure. know about PAP Device
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.
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.
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
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 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).
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