SmartVest Blog

November is COPD Awareness Month. That means there’s no better time to get involved and help share information about this widespread respiratory disease in your community.  According to the American Lung Association, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects more than 12.5 million people in the United States. But it’s estimated that millions of Americans already […]

Mucus typically gets a bad reputation, but it actually helps protect your body from the spread of bacteria and allergens by trapping germs.¹ Though congestion can make you feel uncomfortable and cause breathing difficulty, your body’s natural response is to mobilize mucus buildup in the lungs and cough—causing the phlegm to thin and loosen. You’ve […]

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 22 through the 28th, 2023. Coinciding with this event is Healthy Lung Month, which—as you […]

Do you have a persistent cough? Are you often short of breath or feel tightness in your chest? These symptoms are more than a nuisance; they may be an early sign of a serious lung condition.  If you’re experiencing a decreased quality of life due to frequent lung issues, consulting a pulmonary doctor is a […]

Manual Chest Physiotherapy (or chest physical therapy) requires the assistance of a caregiver or respiratory therapist to perform repeated clapping on a patient’s chest wall, also known as percussion.  The goal of chest physical therapy (CPT) is to help dislodge mucus in the lungs and then apply postural drainage techniques¹ to allow mucus to drain […]

Though air pollution is nothing new, this past summer has seen more than its fair share of wildfires and their effects on air quality. Such conditions are hazardous for everyone. However, the increase in smoky air can cause respiratory irritation and inflammation, worsening symptoms for those with chronic lung conditions. Even if you don’t live […]

Mucus and phlegm are natural substances our bodies produce to help protect and lubricate the respiratory system. But are they the same thing? Phlegm is indeed a type of mucus, but its presence, color, and consistency can tell you a lot about your lung health. Uncovering the Difference between Mucus and Phlegm A simple way […]

Can you think of a time when a tiny piece of food became stuck in your airways, blocking the natural flow of oxygen to the lungs? When most people think about airway obstruction, the first image that typically comes to mind is choking on food. However, trapped food is only one reason people experience this […]

When our bodies are exposed to different bacteria, viruses, dust, pollen, or smoke, their natural response is to produce excess mucus. This helps trap irritants in the nose or airways, stopping them from entering the lungs.¹ Following the production of excess mucus, the body then triggers a coughing reflex to help propel the mucus (and […]

Anyone can experience rapid shallow breathing, also known as tachypnea. Tachypnea is not a medical condition; instead, it is your body’s natural response to a lack of oxygen or too much carbon dioxide in the bloodstream.¹ Tachypnea Definition Consider a person’s average breathing rate to understand tachypnea and how it affects your breathing ability. Adults […]