SmartVest Blog

What is HFCWO and How is it Used with SmartVest? High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) is an innovative airway clearance therapy designed to help individuals with chronic respiratory conditions manage their symptoms effectively. This non-invasive therapy has become a cornerstone treatment for patients who struggle with mucus clearance due to conditions such as bronchiectasis, cystic […]

Living with bronchiectasis during the winter may worsen symptoms, including wheezing, chronic cough, recurring lung infections, and even chest pain. “It is common knowledge that the winter season, especially in the higher latitudes, is the difficult part of year for patients with chronic respiratory diseases and that inhalation of cold air has negative effects on […]

Coughing Up Blood With Bronchiectasis Bronchiectasis (brong-kee-EK-tuh-sis) is a chronic lung condition that causes the airways (bronchi) to widen abnormally, resulting in mucus buildup and frequent lung infections. For individuals with bronchiectasis, coughing up blood (hemoptysis) can be a rare but alarming symptom.1 In this article, we’ll explore what causes hemoptysis, the risks associated with […]

We know that bronchiectasis causes mucus buildup in the lungs, which leads to bacterial growth and respiratory infections. What might surprise you, however, is that this chronic lung condition can also cause bad breath and foul-smelling sputum.1 Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a condition where unpleasant odors persistently emanate from your mouth. These […]

How Coffee Affects People with a Chronic Lung Condition For many people—85% of Americans —caffeine is a daily ritual, from a warm, aromatic cup of coffee to start the day to a square of chocolate at the end of a long one.1 Caffeine is a stimulant naturally found in fruit, coffee beans, cacao, and guarana […]

What is the Vortex of Bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition that affects thousands of people worldwide, yet it remains underdiagnosed and often misunderstood. The term “vortex” may make you think of a swirling, uncontrollable force, and in the context of bronchiectasis, it’s a fitting metaphor. The “vicious vortex” of bronchiectasis is a way […]

Living with bronchiectasis can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing symptoms like mucus buildup, shortness of breath, and lung infections. While airway clearance therapies are vital, did you know that your diet can also play a role in your overall lung health? 1 Certain foods may exacerbate inflammation, trigger mucus production, or weaken […]

What is Bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis (brong-kee-EK-tuh-sis) is a chronic lung condition that affects the airways (or bronchi) of one or both lungs, causing them to become abnormally widened, scarred, and inflamed. Injured airways have difficulty removing mucus, which is critical to clearing germs, dust, and other particles around us. This leads to a buildup of mucus […]

Bronchiectasis, a chronic respiratory condition, can be debilitating for those suffering from it. While there is no cure, supportive therapy can be an effective way to help manage symptoms and improve patients’ outcomes and quality of life. In this article, we ‘ll discuss 5 components of a successful bronchiectasis supportive therapy program. We’ll also explore […]

Alcohol and Bronchiectasis: Is There a Risk? Whether it’s a glass of wine, a pint of beer, or a tumbler of your favorite whiskey, drinking alcohol is often a staple at social gatherings and something most people enjoy doing to help relax. Many of us are aware of the health concerns surrounding excessive alcohol use, […]