Frank Stone's AffloVest Story I was born with a serious condition called bronchiectasis and after 12 bouts with pneumonia, my lower left lobe was removed at age 13 at Boston Children's Hospital. In addition to the removal of my lower left lobe, I also have sinusitis which required 3 sinus [...]
CF and Non-CF Bronchiectasis Bronchiectasis is the term used to refer to dilatation of the airways in the lungs (also known as bronchi) that is usually permanent and is associated with symptoms of cough, excess mucus production and recurring respiratory infections. It can be caused by a range of genetically [...]
Airway Clearance in Neuromuscular Disorders Respiratory health is crucial for children and adults with neuromuscular disorders. These disorders progressively weaken muscles, often including the respiratory muscles. Severely weakened respiratory muscles most commonly occurs in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) type 1, muscular dystrophy (MS) and [...]
Bronchiectasis and Airway Clearance Therapy Breakthrough in the Treatment of Lung Diseases Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung infection that is triggered by a number of conditions including pneumonia, a weakened immune system, an allergic reaction termed allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), aspiration, cystic fibrosis, problems with the cilia that line the airways of [...]
Traveling made easy with AffloVest Break free from restrictions, take airway clearance therapy new places! As the first truly portable, battery-operated HFCWO therapy vest, the AffloVest was specifically engineered and designed to give patients freedom and mobility while doing their airway clearance therapy. AffloVest is designed to deliver seamless mobility, without [...]
The role of airway clearance therapy in treating bronchiectasis Lung damage caused by bronchiectasis often worsens over the course of the disease. After the initial trigger and during subsequent infections, increased inflammation in the lungs makes it difficult for patients to clear mucus secretions. Mucus buildup encourages the development of additional infections, thereby [...]
Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Bronchiectasis: The Role of Airway Clearance Therapy My name is Dr. Alan Barker. I'm a professor of Respiratory Medicine at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland Oregon. I've been on the faculty and in clinical practice for 41 years. I have been [...]
Under-Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis Hinders Treatment Bronchiectasis (BE) is increasing in prevalence, requiring a greater awareness of the disease. Bronchiectasis most often arises from several different causes. The most common symptom that is associated with a diagnosis is a persistent cough, which is a common presentation in various respiratory diseases and illnesses. The commonality of [...]
The Vicious Cycle of Bronchiectasis Living with a Lung Disease When a patient is diagnosed with bronchiectasis, a plan for long-term monitoring and care is critical. Some patients experience daily and burdensome symptoms that worsen upon exacerbation. Bronchiectasis moves in a vicious cycle with the potential to cause increasing amounts of damage to airways. [...]
Prevalence of COPD and Non-CF Bronchiectasis in the US Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis are diseases of the lungs affecting a person’s ability to breathe and leading to decreased quality of life. Collectively characterized by airflow blockage, bronchial dilation, inflammation and scarring, these diseases often co-exist but require different [...]