SmartVest Blog

Staying active, eating healthy, and building muscle is good for the body and mind, especially if you’re living with a respiratory condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, you may find it more challenging than others to exercise on a regular basis if you’re experiencing a flare up or worsening of COPD symptoms, such […]

As we brace ourselves for another winter season, many people living with COPD and cystic fibrosis are taking extra precautions this year to protect their lungs against the colder temperatures and drier air conditions, all of which are known to exacerbate symptoms.[1] In a previous article, we shared some common triggers you should avoid and […]

For many of us, 2020 has been a challenging year. But as with any obstacle, people all over the country continue to persevere and work together to help those who may be at greater risk of complications due to the recent pandemic.  As we gear up for the New Year ahead, we wanted to share […]

Emphysema falls under the umbrella of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It’s an irreversible lung condition that damages the alveoli (air sacs) and obstructs our ability to breathe and move oxygen into the bloodstream: “When you exhale, the damaged alveoli don’t work properly and old air becomes trapped, leaving no room for fresh, oxygen-rich air […]

Viruses like the flu can be hard on the body’s immune system. But if you’re living with COPD or another chronic lung condition, a seasonal flu can cause flare ups and leave you vulnerable to other serious health complications. Therefore, it’s important to take every precaution necessary to prevent exposure and stay healthy this season. […]

Beginning a new journey on your path to airway clearance can stir up many questions: how much will my therapy cost? Will my insurance cover it? Does this product really work? When can I start feeling relief from my chronic symptoms?  At Electromed, our team is here to address your concerns, answer your questions, and […]

Living with bronchiectasis can cause a loved one to produce a chronic cough, experience shortness of breath, and develop frequent respiratory infections that could damage the lungs. Another common symptom of bronchiectasis is chronic inflammation, which can make breathing more difficult and further impair lung function. Understanding the Chronic Cycle of Inflammation Because bronchiectasis disrupts […]

Living with a chronic respiratory illness like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), bronchiectasis, or an overlapping of the two conditions can take a toll on your mental health. You may feel isolated from the hobbies you enjoy doing, as well as the people you love spending time with. Though respiratory conditions have always presented certain […]

One of the leading contributors of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is cigarette smoking.[1] Cigarettes contain thousands of chemicals when burned—many of which are harmful to our bodies, including carbon monoxide. When smoke fills the lungs, these toxic chemicals replace the oxygen in our bloodstream, preventing our organs from receiving the oxygen they need to […]

 A COPD flare up (also known as an COPD exacerbation) is a sudden worsening of symptoms that can leave you feeling low on energy, short on breath, or tightness in the chest area. Other common symptoms of COPD that may worsen during a flare up include[1]: Chronic cough Mucus Build up Respiratory infections Wheezing Swelling […]