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 […]
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 […]
2019 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 […]
Most people are familiar with the term Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). You may have watched commercials explaining its symptoms or have seen digital ads demonstrating how patients can treat COPD and other impaired breathing conditions, such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. Have you ever wondered why you know so much about COPD, yet you […]
Talking to your doctor about high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) therapy can present challenges—especially if your prescriber is unfamiliar with bronchiectasis or how to effectively treat its chronic symptoms. When this is the case, it’s up to you to help educate your doctor on the benefits of HFCWO therapy in providing long-term relief and […]
An exciting time of year, the holidays traditionally bring people together and spread cheer. But for someone living with bronchiectasis, your joy of the season may be mixed with unease. Between the cold temperatures, dry air conditions, and time spent with family and friends, there’s a greater risk of spreading germs that may trigger an […]
Dr. Frederic Seifer has helped diagnose and treat numerous patients living with chronic lung diseases, such as bronchiectasis. For more than two decades, his dedication to helping patients find effective airway clearance treatments to manage their symptoms has made him a leading expert in the study of bronchiectasis. To help individuals better understand bronchiectasis […]
According to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), October 21-27, 2018, marks the celebration of Respiratory Care Week. In honor of this event, respiratory therapists from all over the world are working together to increase awareness on how patients and clinicians can improve lung function. An essential part of respiratory care awareness is […]
The SmartVest Airway Clearance System has been proven to reduce exacerbations, improve patient outcomes, and has been used by healthcare professionals since 2000. Over the years, clinicians have shared with us their own success stories they have experienced with their patients. “[My patients] couldn’t believe the difference it made in their lives. It’s easy to […]
If you or a loved one is living with bronchiectasis, then you may already know that its causes and symptoms vary between individuals. Although it’s common to share similar traits of this chronic lung condition, such as shortness of breath, chronic cough, or respiratory infections, the reality is that bronchiectasis affects patients differently because it […]