SmartVest Blog

Have you ever experienced a sensation of chest heaviness or tightness when you lie down? If so, you’re not alone. Your discomfort may be related to a variety of causes, ranging from anxiety and stress to more serious medical conditions like respiratory or heart disease. What Does Chest Tightness Feel Like? Chest tightness often creates […]

We know that bronchiectasis causes mucus buildup in the lungs, which leads to bacterial growth and respiratory infections. What might surprise you, however, is that this chronic lung condition can also cause bad breath and foul-smelling sputum.1 Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a condition where unpleasant odors persistently emanate from your mouth. These […]

    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 20th through the 26th, 2024. Coinciding with this event is Healthy Lung Month, […]

How Coffee Affects People with a Chronic Lung Condition For many people—85% of Americans —caffeine is a daily ritual, from a warm, aromatic cup of coffee to start the day to a square of chocolate at the end of a long one.1 Caffeine is a stimulant naturally found in fruit, coffee beans, cacao, and guarana […]

What is the Vortex of Bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition that affects thousands of people worldwide, yet it remains underdiagnosed and often misunderstood. The term “vortex” may make you think of a swirling, uncontrollable force, and in the context of bronchiectasis, it’s a fitting metaphor. The “vicious vortex” of bronchiectasis is a way […]

Living with bronchiectasis can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing symptoms like mucus buildup, shortness of breath, and lung infections. While airway clearance therapies are vital, did you know that your diet can also play a role in your overall lung health? 1 Certain foods may exacerbate inflammation, trigger mucus production, or weaken […]

Though many of us would prefer to avoid coughing, this natural reflex actually helps protect our lungs and airways against certain irritants, such as dust, germs, pathogens, and mucus buildup.1 While it is a natural and often beneficial response, not all coughs are the same. Understanding the differences between productive and non-productive coughs can help […]

What is Bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis (brong-kee-EK-tuh-sis) is a chronic lung condition that affects the airways (or bronchi) of one or both lungs, causing them to become abnormally widened, scarred, and inflamed. Injured airways have difficulty removing mucus, which is critical to clearing germs, dust, and other particles around us. This leads to a buildup of mucus […]

Bronchiectasis, a chronic respiratory condition, can be debilitating for those suffering from it. While there is no cure, supportive therapy can be an effective way to help manage symptoms and improve patients’ outcomes and quality of life. In this article, we ‘ll discuss 5 components of a successful bronchiectasis supportive therapy program. We’ll also explore […]

Alcohol and Bronchiectasis: Is There a Risk? Whether it’s a glass of wine, a pint of beer, or a tumbler of your favorite whiskey, drinking alcohol is often a staple at social gatherings and something most people enjoy doing to help relax. Many of us are aware of the health concerns surrounding excessive alcohol use, […]