SmartVest Blog

Airway Clearance Devices: Understanding Their Benefits and Uses Living with bronchiectasis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can significantly impact daily life. Chronic lung conditions often involve excess mucus buildup in the lungs, which can lead to difficulty breathing, frequent infections, and reduced lung function. These symptoms can compound, leading to a cycle that can […]

Do you ever experience shortness of breath, even after exhaling deeply? It might feel like you cannot completely empty your lungs of air, causing your breathing to become labored. When air gets trapped in the lungs, over time, it can cause pulmonary hyperinflation—a condition where the lungs expand beyond their normal size.1 Although hyperinflated lungs […]

Can Cold Air Cause Coughing & Chest Pain? Winter is almost here and while there can be something enjoyable about cozy nights in, when the temperature drops, you may notice your body reacting in unexpected ways. For some, stepping outside on a brisk morning can cause coughing, while others experience chest discomfort or pain. This […]

Coughing Up Blood With Bronchiectasis Bronchiectasis (brong-kee-EK-tuh-sis) is a chronic lung condition that causes the airways (bronchi) to widen abnormally, resulting in mucus buildup and frequent lung infections. For individuals with bronchiectasis, coughing up blood (hemoptysis) can be a rare but alarming symptom.1 In this article, we’ll explore what causes hemoptysis, the risks associated with […]

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 […]