According to a 2018 article in Bronchiectasis News Today, approximately half of newly diagnosed bronchiectasis patients also have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).1 This statistic is likely to grow if bronchiectasis—an underdeveloped area of study—continues to go under-diagnosed in its early stages. Referred to as bronchiectasis-COPD overlap syndrome (BCOS),2 this type of comorbidity will affect […]
When you’re living with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), protecting your lungs from infection is the first step to achieving a better quality of life. But because there are many types of COPD1, finding ways to manage your individual symptoms can be challenging. Living with COPD Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, wheezing, […]
In a previous blog post, we discussed the methods a prescriber may use to diagnose bronchiectasis (brong-kee-EK-tuh-sis), an irreversible chronic lung condition caused by abnormal widening of the airways of the lung. Left untreated, bronchiectasis may lead to exacerbations that require hospitalizations and multiple courses of antibiotics. The most common way to diagnose bronchiectasis is […]
Because every patient with bronchiectasis is different, the symptoms experienced from a chronic lung condition can vary widely. For clinicians, this presents the challenge of choosing a bronchiectasis treatment that is most effective in allowing patients to live a healthier, fuller life—without the physical and financial stress of ongoing hospitalization and emergency room visits. Though […]
Deciding to introduce high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) therapy into your patient’s bronchiectasis treatment plan is the first step toward providing patients a lifetime airway clearance solution for their chronic lung condition. Getting the right respiratory vest in the hands of your patients is easier than you may think! At Electromed, we strive to […]
When a person’s airways are repeatedly damaged due to a chronic lung condition, the lungs slowly lose their ability to clear mucus. This leaves the body more susceptible to respiratory infections, resulting in a worsening of symptoms if not treated properly. Chronic lung conditions like bronchiectasis (brong-kee-EK-tuh-sis) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, better known […]
Are any of your patients living with bronchiectasis? Are they experiencing regular flare ups of symptoms, including chronic cough, fatigue, and lower respiratory infections? If so, your patients may be spending more time in the hospital and less time enjoying a healthy, active lifestyle. Common Signs and Symptoms of Bronchiectasis: Are your patients […]
Most of us are familiar with the acronym COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Used as an umbrella term to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory asthma, COPD can occur from smoking, certain environmental factors, or an individual’s genetic makeup.1 Common symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in your […]
In a previous blog post, we highlighted the basic differences between bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is important to know in order to find the best treatment option to manage symptoms. Bronchiectasis, an irreversible lung disease, develops from repeated inflammation and/or infection, and prevents your lungs from properly functioning. COPD, an umbrella […]
2019 is finally here, and if you’ve spent the past year struggling with frequent cough, shortness of breath, and recurring respiratory infections, then it may be time to reevaluate your airway clearance therapy. Living with Impaired Airway Clearance: What do COPD, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and other chronic lung diseases have in common? These […]