A History of Respiratory Care: Past to Present
Respiratory ailments such as asthma, COPD, and bronchitis have been a documented part of human existence for as long as humans have documented their existence. There have always been treatments and remedies for these afflictions. However, in more recent history, these afflictions and new emerging technology have driven the need of a respiratory care professional. Respiratory therapists may be one of the “new kids on the block” in the medical field, but in its short history, respiratory therapy has had its fair share of hardship, near failures, and great successes that have shaped what the profession has become.
To understand anything, you must start at the beginning. Sometimes, that means looking …show more content…
Additionally, the ancient Chinese were the first people to use the drug ephedra, known locally as Ma Huang. Ephedra was used in those times to relieve many symptoms resulting from allergies. These symptoms included; bronchospasms, congestion, and mucus secretion.
At around the same time in history as the Chinese, about 3000- 1200 BC, the Egyptians created a unique device for the inhalation of smoke. This device was used to treat restricted breathing, as shown from an excerpt taken out of the Ebers Papyrus and quoted by Achoo Alergy:
"Thou shalt fetch seven stones and heat them by fire, thou shalt take one thereof and place a little of these remedies on it and cover it with a new vessel whose bottom is perforated, and place a stalk of reed in this hole; thou shalt put thy mouth to this stalk so that thou inhalest the smoke of it. Likewise with all stones."(par. …show more content…
First the ITA changed its name to the American Association of Inhalation Therapist (AAIT). Due to the religious associations of several of the founding members, the group was thought to be a religious association. A name change to give a more international feel to the association would be the key to changing that thought. Next the association began incorporating physicians into, and as part of, the group. The group then went through another name change to the American Association of Inhalation Therapy, then finally to the American Association of Respiratory Care
Respiratory ailments such as asthma, COPD, and bronchitis have been a documented part of human existence for as long as humans have documented their existence. There have always been treatments and remedies for these afflictions. However, in more recent history, these afflictions and new emerging technology have driven the need of a respiratory care professional. Respiratory therapists may be one of the “new kids on the block” in the medical field, but in its short history, respiratory therapy has had its fair share of hardship, near failures, and great successes that have shaped what the profession has become.
To understand anything, you must start at the beginning. Sometimes, that means looking …show more content…
Additionally, the ancient Chinese were the first people to use the drug ephedra, known locally as Ma Huang. Ephedra was used in those times to relieve many symptoms resulting from allergies. These symptoms included; bronchospasms, congestion, and mucus secretion.
At around the same time in history as the Chinese, about 3000- 1200 BC, the Egyptians created a unique device for the inhalation of smoke. This device was used to treat restricted breathing, as shown from an excerpt taken out of the Ebers Papyrus and quoted by Achoo Alergy:
"Thou shalt fetch seven stones and heat them by fire, thou shalt take one thereof and place a little of these remedies on it and cover it with a new vessel whose bottom is perforated, and place a stalk of reed in this hole; thou shalt put thy mouth to this stalk so that thou inhalest the smoke of it. Likewise with all stones."(par. …show more content…
First the ITA changed its name to the American Association of Inhalation Therapist (AAIT). Due to the religious associations of several of the founding members, the group was thought to be a religious association. A name change to give a more international feel to the association would be the key to changing that thought. Next the association began incorporating physicians into, and as part of, the group. The group then went through another name change to the American Association of Inhalation Therapy, then finally to the American Association of Respiratory Care