SmartVest Blog

As we brace ourselves for another winter season, many people living with COPD and cystic fibrosis are taking extra precautions this year to protect their lungs against the colder temperatures and drier air conditions, all of which are known to exacerbate symptoms.[1] In a previous article, we shared some common triggers you should avoid and […]

For many of us, 2020 has been a challenging year. But as with any obstacle, people all over the country continue to persevere and work together to help those who may be at greater risk of complications due to the recent pandemic.  As we gear up for the New Year ahead, we wanted to share […]

Emphysema falls under the umbrella of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It’s an irreversible lung condition that damages the alveoli (air sacs) and obstructs our ability to breathe and move oxygen into the bloodstream: “When you exhale, the damaged alveoli don’t work properly and old air becomes trapped, leaving no room for fresh, oxygen-rich air […]

Viruses like the flu can be hard on the body’s immune system. But if you’re living with COPD or another chronic lung condition, a seasonal flu can cause flare ups and leave you vulnerable to other serious health complications. Therefore, it’s important to take every precaution necessary to prevent exposure and stay healthy this season. […]

Living with a chronic respiratory illness like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), bronchiectasis, or an overlapping of the two conditions can take a toll on your mental health. You may feel isolated from the hobbies you enjoy doing, as well as the people you love spending time with. Though respiratory conditions have always presented certain […]

One of the leading contributors of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is cigarette smoking.[1] Cigarettes contain thousands of chemicals when burned—many of which are harmful to our bodies, including carbon monoxide. When smoke fills the lungs, these toxic chemicals replace the oxygen in our bloodstream, preventing our organs from receiving the oxygen they need to […]

 A COPD flare up (also known as an COPD exacerbation) is a sudden worsening of symptoms that can leave you feeling low on energy, short on breath, or tightness in the chest area. Other common symptoms of COPD that may worsen during a flare up include[1]: Chronic cough Mucus Build up Respiratory infections Wheezing Swelling […]

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) affects millions of Americans each year.[1] And because there are different types of COPD that can cause individuals to experience symptoms in many ways, understanding which conditions are associated with your patients’ pulmonary disease can help to provide improved COPD nursing care. What We Know About COPD COPD can be […]

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is an umbrella term used to describe multiple pulmonary conditions, like “…chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and irreversible, or refractory asthma”[1] and can cause individuals to experience fatigue, mucus buildup, wheezing, and breathlessness.[2] Depending on each individual’s condition, your clinician may prescribe supplemental oxygen to help manage symptoms. Over time, COPD can […]

When learning more about COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and its signs and symptoms, there is a focus on shortness of breath, recurring respiratory infections, and frequent cough. But another common symptom of this chronic condition, that often receives less attention, is general fatigue. COPD chronic fatigue symptoms may range from feeling tired to experiencing […]