SmartVest Blog

Man in bathrobe experiencing bronchiectasis flare up.
Feb 01, 2023
Bronchiectasis Flare Up: What To Expect

  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 […]

Read More
Clinician using stethoscope to hear lungs in patient's chest.
Jan 18, 2023
Single-Patient Use Wrap for Inpatient HFCWO Therapy

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 […]

Read More
Woman feeling her throat muscles as she begins huff coughing after airway clearance therapy.
Jan 03, 2023
Using Huff Cough with 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, […]

Read More
An older man sitting on couch while coughing from post nasal drip.
Dec 20, 2022
Can Post Nasal Drip Worsen Bronchiectasis Symptoms?

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 […]

Read More
Samuel standing with SmartVest on stage.
Dec 06, 2022
“Airway Clearance Changed Everything” A SmartVest Story

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 […]

Read More
Doctors assisting a patient after placing her in an MRI machine
Nov 18, 2022
What Does a CT Scan of the Lungs Show?

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, […]

Read More
COPD Awareness Month is November.
Nov 15, 2022
COPD Awareness Month

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 […]

Read More
Respiratory care worker helping patient breathe in oxygen.
Oct 24, 2022
Respiratory Care Week 2022

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 […]

Read More
Hands held over the chest of a person
Sep 27, 2022
What Is Chest Physiotherapy?

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 […]

Read More
A man coughs while holding a glass of water
Sep 16, 2022
Is My Cough Chronic or Acute?

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 […]

Read More