SmartVest Blog

At Electromed, our mission is to be an advocate and resource for individuals living with a chronic lung disease like bronchiectasis and COPD. As we continue to learn more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), our goal is to share that knowledge to help you stay informed and feel empowered to take precautionary steps. How COVID-19 Affects […]

In a recent blog post, we discussed the top two breathing techniques for loved ones living with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). While controlled breathing coupled with effective airway clearance can help you manage your individual symptoms and find relief from recurring respiratory infections, incorporating exercise into your routine may also improve how you breathe […]

Like bronchiectasis, living with COPD causes you to experience breathing difficulties, especially during the colder months of the year. According to the COPD Foundation, there are two effective breathing techniques for COPD: pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic “abdominal” breathing. Both breathing exercises require practice, relaxation, and concentration to help you create a healthy flow of oxygen […]

Freezing temperatures, stronger winds, and drier air conditions can make breathing more difficult, especially if you’re living with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). This winter, learn how to help protect your lungs and prevent frequent COPD flare ups that require hospitalization and time spent away from your loved ones.       Why Does Cold Weather […]

Bronchiectasis and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are two individual chronic lung conditions that share similar symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, general fatigue, and recurring lung infections. If you’re living with COPD or asthma, you may develop bronchiectasis later in life, resulting in an overlap of symptoms, also known as bronchiectasis-COPD overlap syndrome […]

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) affects more than 11 million people in the United States.1 Though many have heard of this umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases, you may be unfamiliar with the different types of COPD that can cause you or a loved one to experience chronic symptoms or recurring flare ups.  […]

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, and […]

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 […]