Imagine feeling short on breath every time you walk to the mailbox or having to put your family life on hold because you require hospitalization for a severe lung infection. If you’re living with bronchiectasis, you know these scenarios too well. Bronchiectasis is an irreversible lung condition that causes the airways in the lungs to […]
A computerized tomography (CT) scan allows radiologists to capture x-ray images of the human anatomy to help examine abnormalities and diagnose certain conditions or injuries that affect our organs, bones, muscles, and blood vessels [1]. Unlike a standard x-ray image, CT scans utilize computerized technology to take multiple images of the body from different angles, […]
November is COPD Awareness Month. That means there’s no better time to get involved and help share information about this widespread respiratory disease in your community. According to the American Lung Association, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects more than 12.5 million people in the United States. But it’s estimated that millions of Americans already […]
Respiratory Care Week is an annual event that recognizes the essential work and dedication of respiratory care professionals around the globe—from clinicians and pulmonologists to nurses, respiratory therapists (RTs), and home caregivers. This year, respiratory care week runs from October 23 through the 29th. Coinciding with this event is Healthy Lung Month, which, as you […]
Chest Physiotherapy (CPT) is an airway clearance technique that typically involves the assistance of another individual (e.g., caregiver, trained family member, or respiratory therapist) to manually perform chest percussion on a patient’s chest wall. Chest percussion is defined as manually clapping on a person’s chest wall in an effort to break up mucus and prevent […]
Did you know that when we cough, our bodies are working hard to protect our lungs and airways? Though most of us would rather avoid coughing entirely—especially during a presentation, a yoga class, or at night when we’re trying to fall asleep—it’s important to remember that coughing is a natural reflex. In fact, we depend […]
We never tire of hearing SmartVest users share their own personal experiences of how our airway clearance system is making an impact in their quality of life. Of course, we can always share clinical studies of how our device helps reduce bronchiectasis-related exacerbations that require hospitalization, or how it helps decrease antibiotic usage and stabilize […]
If you regularly follow our blog, then you already know there are different methods that allow your clinician to diagnose a chronic lung condition. A high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan, for instance, is used to detect damage to the lungs and airways caused by bronchiectasis, while a regular CT scan or chest x-ray may be […]
Is a chronic lung condition keeping you from living life independently? High frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) is an airway clearance technique that’s typically performed using an inflatable vest and air pulse generator. HFCWO therapy with the SmartVest Airway Clearance System delivers repeated pulses of air that gently squeeze and release the upper chest wall. […]
Do you enjoy starting each morning with a hot cup of coffee? Or maybe you l like ending a long day with a bite of dark chocolate. If caffeine is a normal part of your routine, then you are one of the 80% of Americans who consume caffeine on a daily basis [1]! In moderation, […]
