SmartVest Blog

  Flare-ups (also known as exacerbations) occur when symptoms of a chronic disease suddenly worsen. Bronchiectasis, for example, is a lung condition that triggers inflammation and infection in the airways due to mucus buildup.   With each onset of infection, the airways become abnormally widened, making breathing more difficult. Simultaneously, your lungs lose the ability […]

When treating patients for a respiratory condition, you want to provide the best, most comfortable experience possible. If SmartVest is already a part of your hospital’s continuum of care program, then you can feel confident knowing that each patient will receive effective airway clearance treatment while in your care. About SmartVest The SmartVest Airway Clearance […]

“Huff cough” is a popular coughing exercise that works to remove phlegm from the airways. This technique is typically performed in combination with airway clearance therapy to help loosen the mucus, so it becomes easier to cough out. In fact, all forms of airway clearance rely on good coughs to prevent mucus buildup [1]. However, […]

The human body produces mucus every day [1], and more often than not, it works quietly behind the scenes, so it remains unnoticed and we can go about our day.  However, whenever there is a change in temperature or humidity levels, you may start to feel irritation develop in the back of your throat and […]

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 […]