SmartVest Blog

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, […]

Bronchiectasis and asthma are two distinct respiratory conditions, but recent studies have shown a higher prevalence of bronchiectasis symptoms in patients with severe asthma.1 Known as asthma-bronchiectasis overlap syndrome (ABOS), ABOS is becoming increasingly recognized by healthcare professionals as a complex condition that can be challenging to diagnose. As a result, patients may not receive […]

Coughing may seem like a nuisance, but it’s the body’s way of protecting us from airborne irritants that enter the lungs.¹ When your lungs lose their ability to mobilize and clear mucus, it leaves the body open to possible infection and damage to your airways. If you’re living with a chronic lung condition like bronchiectasis, […]

Chest Physiotherapy (CPT) is an airway clearance technique that typically involves the assistance of another individual (e.g., caregiver, trained family member, or respiratory therapist) to manually perform chest percussion on a patient’s chest wall. Chest percussion is defined as manually clapping on a person’s chest wall in an effort to break up mucus and prevent […]