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Laura Castricone, CRT

LinkedIn Profile 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.

 

Oxygen Therapy

Things To Keep In Mind When Using Oxygen at Home

Laura Castricone, CRT Jul 31, 2021

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

Laura Castricone, CRT Jul 31, 2021

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?

Laura Castricone, CRT Aug 14, 2021

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

Laura Castricone, CRT Sep 06, 2021

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

Laura Castricone, CRT Sep 11, 2021

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?

Laura Castricone, CRT Sep 21, 2021

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

Pulse Oximeters

What Is A Pulse Oximeter and How Does It Work?

Laura Castricone, CRT Oct 04, 2021

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?

Laura Castricone, CRT Oct 15, 2021

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?

Laura Castricone, CRT Oct 16, 2021

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)

Laura Castricone, CRT Oct 19, 2021

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

Laura Castricone, CRT Nov 08, 2021

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?

Laura Castricone, CRT Nov 22, 2021

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