SmartVest Blog

An older man sitting on couch while coughing from post nasal drip.
Dec 20, 2022
Can Post Nasal Drip Worsen Bronchiectasis Symptoms?

The human body produces mucus every day [1], and more often than not, it works quietly behind the scenes, so it remains unnoticed and we can go about our day. However, whenever there is a change in temperature or humidity levels, you may start to feel irritation develop in the back of your throat and […]

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Samuel standing with SmartVest on stage.
Dec 06, 2022
“Airway Clearance Changed Everything” A SmartVest Story

Imagine feeling short on breath every time you walk to the mailbox or having to put your family life on hold because you require hospitalization for a severe lung infection. If you’re living with bronchiectasis, you know these scenarios too well. Bronchiectasis is an irreversible lung condition that causes the airways in the lungs to […]

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Doctors assisting a patient after placing her in an MRI machine
Nov 18, 2022
What Does a CT Scan of the Lungs Show?

A computerized tomography (CT) scan allows radiologists to capture x-ray images of the human anatomy to help examine abnormalities and diagnose certain conditions or injuries that affect our organs, bones, muscles, and blood vessels [1]. Unlike a standard x-ray image, CT scans utilize computerized technology to take multiple images of the body from different angles, […]

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A man coughs while holding a glass of water
Sep 16, 2022
Is My Cough Chronic or Acute?

Did you know that when we cough, our bodies are working hard to protect our lungs and airways?  Though most of us would rather avoid coughing entirely—especially during a presentation, a yoga class, or at night when we’re trying to fall asleep—it’s important to remember that coughing is a natural reflex. In fact, we depend […]

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A group of three women laughing together with drinks in front of each of them
Aug 30, 2022
Making a Difference in Airway Clearance: A SmartVest Success Story

We never tire of hearing SmartVest users share their own personal experiences of how our airway clearance system is making an impact in their quality of life. Of course, we can always share clinical studies of how our device helps reduce bronchiectasis-related exacerbations that require hospitalization, or how it helps decrease antibiotic usage and stabilize […]

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A doctor resting thier hands on a desk
Aug 16, 2022
What Is a Bronchoscopy Procedure?

If you regularly follow our blog, then you already know there are different methods that allow your clinician to diagnose a chronic lung condition. A high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan, for instance, is used to detect damage to the lungs and airways caused by bronchiectasis, while a regular CT scan or chest x-ray may be […]

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A couple looks through their SmartVest patient packet
Jul 07, 2022
Is an Airway Clearance Vest Right for You?

Is a chronic lung condition keeping you from living life independently? High frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) is an airway clearance technique that’s typically performed using an inflatable vest and air pulse generator. HFCWO therapy with the SmartVest Airway Clearance System delivers repeated pulses of air that gently squeeze and release the upper chest wall. […]

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A woman reads her tablet during her SmartVest session
Jun 14, 2022
New Study Shows HFCWO Therapy Reduces Healthcare Resource Utilization

In an independent, retrospective cohort analysis [1], data was collected and analyzed to assess the efficacy of high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) on Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis (NCFB) patients—before and after usage. Insurance claims data assessed key measures such as hospitalizations, treated pneumonia, and medication usage. Following the introduction of HFCWO vest therapy, the study […]

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A hand holds an inhaler out
May 31, 2022
Can Asthma Turn Into COPD?

You may be familiar with the term “asthma” and its symptoms, but take a look below to learn more about its common triggers as well as its relationship to other lung-related illnesses, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asthma 101 Asthma is a chronic condition that causes the airways in your lungs to become […]

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A man coughs while his wife comforts him on a couch
Apr 19, 2022
How Did I Get Bronchiectasis?

Receiving a medical diagnosis can often feel like a double-edged sword. On the one side, you’re relieved to finally put a name to the type of symptoms you’ve been experiencing and can start the next step of finding the right treatment to manage your condition. On the other side, it’s now confirmed and can leave […]

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