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Types of Doctors - Pulmonary Therapist

A pulmonary therapist is a medical professional that helps maintain or improve lung function. A two-year degree is required to complete the training for pulmonary therapy, but a more advanced degree (either a bachelor's or a master's degree) allows the therapist to advance in their field.

Pulmonary therapists work under the supervision of the treating physician and may work with a patient either in the hospital or at home. Pulmonary therapists work as a team with the doctors responsible for treating any patients suffering with lung disease. Because the most common area for mesothelioma to develop is in the pleural cavity, pulmonary therapists are frequently involved in the treatment of mesothelioma patients.

What Does a Pulmonary Therapist Do?

A pulmonary therapist can work with a mesothelioma patient to improve their quality of life in a variety of ways. If the cancer patient will be undergoing surgery to remove a tumor, the physician may recommend working with a pulmonary therapist before the surgery to strengthen lung function. After surgery, a pulmonary therapist can help the patient recover from surgery.

Pulmonary therapists are also used in cases where the mesothelioma patient will not be undergoing surgery. Through a variety of exercises, a pulmonary therapist can help the patient strengthen their lungs and compensate for function lost to cancer. They also teach the mesothelioma patient techniques used to clear the lungs of fluids. By teaching the patient to clear their lungs through special coughing methods, the patient can avoid having this process done medically.

What is Pulmonary Function Testing?

Pulmonary function tests are a group of tests that are administered or conducted by a pulmonary therapist that determine how well the lungs are working. The tests are used to evaluate how effectively the patient's lungs use air, as well as how well they move oxygen through the patient's blood (which are the two main lung functions).

Pulmonary function testing is an important diagnostic tool for pulmonary therapists. These tests give the therapist a baseline for the patient. Once this baseline is determined, the effectiveness of the therapy is easier to assess.

Using a Pulmonary Therapist

If you are facing the diagnosis of mesothelioma, speak with your doctor about receiving a referral to a pulmonary therapist. Pulmonary therapy can be an effective way to maintain lung function and strengthen the lungs for the rigors of treatment. Because mesothelioma is such a serious form of cancer many patients are distracted by the various treatment options, and may overlook the benefits that a pulmonary therapist can provide.

A pulmonary therapist will not be used with the intention of curing mesothelioma, as they do not provide any sort of curative cancer treatments. While an oncologist or radiologist will work to treat the cancer, the pulmonary therapist works to slow the decline of lung function. This allows patients to carry out everyday activities.

Where to Find a Pulmonary Therapist

Pulmonary therapists are typically employed by hospitals. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, speak with your treating physician about receiving a referral to a pulmonary therapist. Pulmonary therapists can work with you as an inpatient, an outpatient or visit your home.

You will need to speak with your insurance provider to be certain, but pulmonary therapy is typically covered under insurance policies for patients suffering from lung diseases. Some insurers do not pay if you are a smoker, and some limit the number of visits that are covered, but most will pick up the tab if your physician recommends treatment.

Concentrate on Quality of Life

Pulmonary therapy is a legitimate and effective way to increase lung strength, clear fluid from the lung, and may allow the patient to continue the lifestyle activities they have enjoyed in the past. While any type of therapy can seem tedious and rewards may seem small, pulmonary therapy can increase the quality of life for a mesothelioma patient.

For information about other mesothelioma medical professionals, please see "Types of Doctors Involved in Treating Mesothelioma." To learn more about this type of cancer, please see "Mesothelioma Overview."

Sources:

1. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos084.htm

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