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Because a respiratory therapist is the breathing expert in the hospital, many doctors look to them for help with diagnosing and treating breathing problems.

Words to Understand in This Chapter

acute— referring to a medical condition or illness that lasts a short time. chronic— referring to a medical condition or illness that lasts a long time or keeps coming back. diagnose— to identify an illness or other medical condition. protocols— official procedures or rules to follow. respiratory— referring to the system of the body that controls breathing. trauma— physical injury or a deeply distressing occurrence.