What is Bronchiectasis?
Bronchiectasis (brong-kee-EK-tuh-sis) is an irreversible, chronic condition where airways in the lungs (bronchi) become damaged and abnormally widened, which is caused by recurring inflammation and/or infection, preventing your lungs from properly functioning.
Often, bronchiectasis is caused by an underlying condition that may include:
- Respiratory infections
- Immunodeficiency disorders
- Allergic reaction to the fungus Aspergillus (ABPA)
- Genetic disorders
What are Common Bronchiectasis Symptoms?
Bronchiectasis affects everyone differently. You will probably experience “good” days and “flare ups” known as exacerbations, or a temporary worsening of symptoms.
Common bronchiectasis signs and symptoms include:
- Chronic cough that produces mucus
- Recurrent respiratory infections
- Breathlessness and wheezing
- General fatigue
Find More Great Bronchiectasis Resources on Our Blog!
How Does Bronchiectasis Affect Your Lungs?
With bronchiectasis, your airways slowly lose their ability to clear out mucus, which creates an environment vulnerable to infection.
Each recurring infection causes more damage to your airways, which over time impairs their ability to move air in and out.
How Should I Approach Bronchiectasis Treatment?
Clearing excess mucus from your lungs with a combination of medication and airway clearance techniques is one of the most common ways to improve symptoms and reduce complications of bronchiectasis.
For some patients, these methods aren’t enough to provide relief. That’s when the SmartVest Airway Clearance System can be an effective, convenient, and comfortable solution for bronchiectasis management.
Outsmarting Bronchiectasis
SmartVest delivers rapidly repeating pulses of air that squeeze and release your upper body.
These gentle, yet powerful “mini coughs” loosen, thin, and propel mucus towards major airways in your lungs, where it can be more readily expectorated.
Reimbursement Support for Bronchiectasis Patients
With proper documentation, the SmartVest Airway Clearance System is reimbursable by private insurance, Medicare, state medical assistance, a combination of these three, or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Our team of reimbursement specialists is available to assist with the documentation and reimbursement process.
To qualify for reimbursement, you must have documented:
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