SmartVest Blog

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, […]

Bronchiectasis and asthma are two distinct respiratory conditions, but recent studies have shown a higher prevalence of bronchiectasis symptoms in patients with severe asthma.1 Known as asthma-bronchiectasis overlap syndrome (ABOS), ABOS is becoming increasingly recognized by healthcare professionals as a complex condition that can be challenging to diagnose. As a result, patients may not receive […]

Did you know how we sit, stand, and even sleep affects our breathing? If you have a respiratory condition, you may not realize that your posture can limit your lung’s ability to inhale and exhale comfortably. The reason? Research shows that a person’s posture (particularly the head and neck positioning) can significantly impact the diaphragm’s […]

Chronic lung diseases like bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis cause irreversible damage to the lungs and airways, making it difficult to breathe and break up mucus buildup. Other respiratory conditions, like asthma, force the airways to narrow due to swelling (i.e., inflammation), causing the muscles around the airways to tighten. As a result, breathing feels more […]

Coughing may seem like a nuisance, but it’s the body’s way of protecting us from airborne irritants that enter the lungs.¹ When your lungs lose their ability to mobilize and clear mucus, it leaves the body open to possible infection and damage to your airways. If you’re living with a chronic lung condition like bronchiectasis, […]

Cystic Fibrosis and Pulmonary Fibrosis may sound similar, but they’re actually quite different. Both conditions include the term “fibrosis,” which means thickening or scarring tissue, and each one can affect a person’s lungs and airways, making breathing more difficult.¹ However, cystic fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis are distinct conditions with individual causes, symptoms, and treatments. In […]

Flare-ups and acute exacerbations—what exactly do these terms mean? Suppose you or a loved one has a chronic lung condition like bronchiectasis or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). In that case, you may have heard your clinician use these terms interchangeably, or maybe you’ve required hospitalization because of them. But what is a flare-up? More […]