What does respiratory care mean?
Search for it and you’ll find job listings next to lung-health tips, because the term covers both. If you need help with a diagnosis, you want the clinical meaning. If you just want healthier lungs, you want the daily one. This guide covers both, starting with the professionals.
What does a respiratory therapist do?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, respiratory therapists care for people with breathing difficulties, including those with asthma or COPD. They assess patients, run diagnostic tests, give treatments and teach people to use their medicines and equipment. In the US, most need an associate degree in respiratory therapy, and all states but Alaska require a licence.
Your doctor may also refer you to pulmonary rehabilitation, which the WHO lists as one of the options for COPD. If you’ve been told you have a lung condition and nobody has mentioned either of these, it’s reasonable to ask.
How do you take care of your lungs every day?
This is the list from the American Lung Association and Cleveland Clinic, roughly in order of how much it matters. Notice it isn’t very glamorous.
- Don’t smoke or vapeAnd limit secondhand smoke. The ALA says it’s never too late to benefit from quitting.
- Watch the air you breatheLimit household chemicals, mould and radon indoors, and outdoor pollution on poor air-quality days.
- Mask up for dust and fumesAt work, and for DIY or hobbies that create them.
- Move regularlyRegular exercise helps keep your lungs strong, whatever your age or ability.
- Prevent infectionsWash your hands often and get the vaccines recommended for you.
- Stay hydratedCleveland Clinic says enough water helps keep mucus thin.
- Go to your check-upsLung conditions are easier to treat when they’re caught early. Don’t sit on a lingering cough.
Can you increase your lung capacity?
Be a bit sceptical here, because this is where a lot of wellness content overpromises. The American Lung Association says lung capacity peaks at around age 20 to 25 and starts a gradual decline after about 35, even in healthy people who have never smoked. Total capacity is about 6 litres, and it reflects your body as well as your habits.
What you can do is protect what you’ve got. The ALA says staying active, avoiding smoke and keeping up with vaccines can help you “protect and even strengthen” your lungs. Breathing exercises help you use your breathing muscles well and take fewer, slower breaths. That can feel like more room, but it isn’t evidence of bigger lungs, so be wary of anyone promising a bigger number.
One to take seriously: sudden trouble breathing isn’t normal ageing. Call a doctor.
What’s a simple daily breathing routine?
The ALA suggests 5 to 10 minutes a day of pursed-lip or belly breathing for people who get short of breath, and it’s a nice habit even if you don’t. Here’s a minimal version:
- Pick an anchorAfter your morning coffee, or before you brush your teeth at night.
- Sit tallShoulders down, one hand on your belly.
- Breathe in for 4, out for 6Through your nose if you can. Stop if you feel dizzy.
- Five minutes, then get on with your dayThat’s 30 breaths. Miss a day, and just start again.
Start your first five minutes
In for 4, out for 6. Six breaths a minute. Press Start and follow the orb.
4 in · 6 out
Follow the orb: in as it grows, out as it shrinks.
Seconds per phase: 4 in · 6 out. Turn on JavaScript to use the timer.
Runs in your browser: nothing is saved or sent. For haptic taps with your eyes closed, or on your wrist, use ATHA on iPhone or Apple Watch.
Common questions
What is the difference between respiratory care and respiratory therapy?
The terms are often used interchangeably for the clinical treatment of breathing problems. In everyday searches, respiratory care can also mean looking after your own lungs.
How can I keep my lungs healthy naturally?
Don’t smoke or vape, avoid polluted air where you can, stay active, keep up with recommended vaccines and get symptoms checked early.
Do breathing exercises increase lung capacity?
There’s no good reason to expect a big change in total capacity. Breathing exercises can make your breathing slower and more efficient, and regular physical activity helps keep your lungs strong.
At what age does lung capacity decline?
According to the American Lung Association, it peaks at about 20 to 25 and gradually declines after about 35.
How long should I do breathing exercises each day?
The American Lung Association suggests 5 to 10 minutes a day for pursed-lip or belly breathing. If you have a lung condition, check with your care team first.
Where does ATHA fit in?
ATHA is where I’d put step four of that routine. It won’t do much for the air you breathe, and it won’t replace a check-up. But a Daily Breath, a local reminder and a small Garden that grows with practice make that five minutes easier to keep up.
Look after those lungs. They only get the one job, and they do it all day.
Indie iOS developer, and the maker of ATHA. Say hello on Instagram or at solostaseraofficial@gmail.com.
Sources
Checked on 3 November 2026.
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Respiratory therapists · Last modified 29 October 2026.
- WHO: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) fact sheet · 10 June 2026.
- American Lung Association: Protecting your lungs · Last updated 22 June 2026.
- Cleveland Clinic: Respiratory system · Last updated 9 April 2024.
- American Lung Association: Lung capacity and aging · Last updated 6 October 2026.
- American Lung Association: Breathing exercises · Last updated 22 June 2026.
- NHS: Shortness of breath · Page last reviewed 30 January 2024.
ATHA is a breathing and mindfulness app, not a medical device, and this guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t diagnose or treat any condition. For a symptom that is persistent, severe or worrying, talk to a doctor. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.