SmartVest Blog

Graphic icons of Electromed team members.
May 10, 2019
Meet Your Electromed Team: Get to Know Steve Schickman, RRT

At Electromed, each member of our team works diligently to help individuals, like you, find support and compassion, as you take the first step in your SmartVest journey. Beginning a new treatment plan is both exciting and overwhelming. You’re likely ready to start enjoying relief from chronic cough, respiratory infections, and fatigue, but may have […]

Read More
A person holds their chest as they cough into their fist
May 03, 2019
3 Signs of Bronchiectasis for Those Living with COPD

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 […]

Read More
An older couple embraces on a rural hilltop
Apr 12, 2019
5 Wellness Tips for Patients Living with COPD

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 […]

Read More
A stethoscope rests on a table near a laptop
Mar 28, 2019
Managing Your Chronic Lung Condition with Bronchiectasis Treatment

Because every patient with bronchiectasis is different, the symptoms experienced from a chronic lung condition can vary widely. For clinicians, this presents the challenge of choosing a bronchiectasis treatment that is most effective in allowing patients to live a healthier, fuller life—without the physical and financial stress of ongoing hospitalization and emergency room visits. Though […]

Read More
A doctor takes notes on a clipboard
Mar 22, 2019
How to Prescribe SmartVest Therapy

Deciding to introduce high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) therapy into your patient’s bronchiectasis treatment plan is the first step toward providing a lifetime airway clearance solution for each individual chronic lung condition. Getting the right respiratory vest in the hands of your patients is easier than you may think! At Electromed, we strive to […]

Read More
healthy lifestyle with bronchiectasis, bronchiectasis lifestyle
Mar 19, 2019
Outsmarting Bronchiectasis at Any Age

When a person’s airways are repeatedly damaged due to a chronic lung condition, the lungs slowly lose their ability to clear mucus. This leaves the body more susceptible to respiratory infections, resulting in a worsening of symptoms if not treated properly.   Chronic lung conditions like bronchiectasis (brong-kee-EK-tuh-sis) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, better known […]

Read More
A doctor holds their stethoscope while working on a laptop
Feb 14, 2019
Are You Prescribing an Effective Airway Clearance Solution?

Are any of your patients living with bronchiectasis? Are they experiencing regular flare ups of symptoms, including chronic cough, fatigue, and lower respiratory infections? If so, your patients may be spending more time in the hospital and less time enjoying a healthy, active lifestyle.     Common Signs and Symptoms of Bronchiectasis: Are your patients […]

Read More
A man relaxes with a newspaper during his SmartVest therapy
Feb 06, 2019
Treating Your COPD Symptoms with HFCWO Therapy

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 […]

Read More
A woman works on her laptop while on a couch
Jan 08, 2019
Why COPD Patients Should Know More About Bronchiectasis

In a previous blog post, we highlighted the basic differences between bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is important to know in order to find the best treatment option to manage symptoms. Bronchiectasis, an irreversible lung disease, develops from repeated inflammation and/or infection, and prevents your lungs from properly functioning. COPD, an umbrella […]

Read More
A sparkler sending sparks flying
Jan 03, 2019
Make HFCWO Therapy Your New Year’s Resolution

2020 is finally here, and if you’ve spent the past year struggling with frequent cough, shortness of breath, and recurring respiratory infections, then it may be time to reevaluate your airway clearance therapy.     Living with Impaired Airway Clearance: What do COPD, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and other chronic lung diseases have in common? These […]

Read More