SmartVest Blog

In a previous blog, we discussed the different types of bronchiectasis: cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (CFB) and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). Both conditions affect the lungs, making it difficult to breathe, clear mucus, and prevent the onset of respiratory infection.  When you consider each condition independently, it becomes easier to understand how they vary. CFB, for […]

Though we can’t predict what happens tomorrow, we can try to prepare ourselves for the unexpected by planning ahead. This is especially true if you’re living with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).    According to the American Lung Association, creating an action plan with your healthcare team is one of the most important steps in […]

Short on breath? Living with a chronic lung condition can make your breathing feel constricted—especially during extreme weather changes that cause dryness (i.e., winter) or higher levels of humidity/allergens (i.e., spring and summer). To handle these common temperature fluctuations and keep your lungs filled with fresh—not stale—air, exercise is key. But let’s not limit our […]

Staying regularly hydrated plays an important role in fighting infection, supplying nutrients to the body, and keeping organs functioning properly. [1] Water also regulates the body’s temperature [2] and will replenish any fluids you lose from urinating, sweating, or excessive exercising. There is no doubt that water is essential to our health and wellness, but […]

We’ve written many articles on the similarities and differences between COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and bronchiectasis (brong-kee-EK-tuh-sis). But another common and well-known chronic lung condition is asthma.  Asthma affects the airways in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. It’s reported that 1 in 13 Americans are living with this condition, which can develop […]

Every time we take a breath, air enters our lungs and oxygen from the air moves from our lungs to our blood. Though each part of your respiratory system is essential, there is one area that may be overlooked. In this article, we’ll focus on the importance of cilia, tiny hair-like structures that help prevent […]

Staying healthy has been at the top of everyone’s mind this past year. And many of us already know that the path to healthy living, especially as we age, is keeping active in our daily routine.   As we get older, our bodies depend on us to engage in physical exercise to help build muscle mass […]

Starting a new airway clearance therapy is often met with questions, especially if this is your first respiratory vest or if you’ve had previous experiences with other brands. You may be wondering: Will therapy help me breathe easier? What if I feel uncomfortable in my vest? How long will I have to perform each session? […]

Many of us may know a friend or loved one living with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)—a serious lung condition that affects more than 16.4 million Americans[1]. Though more research is being conducted on the causes and treatments of this disease, COPD is still the third leading cause of death in the United States[2]. COPD […]

When you’re living with a chronic lung condition, such as cystic fibrosis, COPD, or bronchiectasis, certain particles in the air, whether natural or artificial, may trigger a worsening of symptoms. In this article, we’ll review the different types of air pollutants that can irritate your lungs. Next, we’ll share tips on how to avoid these […]