BronchandNTM360social welcomes new member Hupde who joins 5,160 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

๐ŸŒท A Little Spring, A Little Reflection ๐ŸŒท

As Easter weekend arrives, this time of year has a way of bringing back memoriesโ€”moments spent with family, traditions that made us smile, and the connections that have stayed with us over the years.

Even if things look a little different now, those memories still carry something specialโ€ฆ a sense of hope, of fresh starts, and of finding light in the little things.

And just like that, we begin to see it around us again.
Even if winter is still holding on in some places, there are signsโ€ฆ a few blooms pushing through, longer days, a bit more light finding its way in.

Itโ€™s a gentle reminder that change doesnโ€™t always come all at onceโ€”but it does come.

For many of us, this weekend is also about those simple momentsโ€”time with family, a call to someone weโ€™ve been thinking about, or just sitting quietly and taking in a bit of fresh air.

Maybe today is a good day to:
๐ŸŒผ Step outside and soak in a little spring
๐Ÿ“ž Reach out to someone whoโ€™s been on your mind
๐Ÿพ Or just enjoy a small moment that makes you smile

Wherever you are, and whatever this weekend looks like for you, we hope you can find a little bit of that โ€œfresh startโ€ feeling in your own way.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Whatโ€™s somethingโ€”past or presentโ€”that brings you a sense of hope this time of year?

2 days ago

  • NewestOldest
  • Ksmiles123Brandon ,
    Thank you for this great post. I have many fond memories of Easter- I still love to color Easter eggs. 
    Spring is my favorite season- a new beginning, warmer weather, easier breathing , and able to get out and about more frequently. Sunshine boosts most of us, bringing more hopeful days into our hearts.2 days ago
  • 360Coach Brandon Thank you, Katie - I hope you are able to enjoy a lovely weekend.2 days ago
360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon Hello everyone!โ€ฏ

Our next BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break is Wednesday, April 8, 2026 @ 2:30pm EDT.

Joining us this month is Dr. Christopher Richards, MD. to discuss the relationship between Cystic Fibrosis and non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis. There have been many developments in both areas recently, and these developments may affect how we are treated in the future. Dr. Richards is an Instructor in Medicine at MGH-BIDMC Harvard Pulmonary & Critical Care Fellowship Program.

Dr. Richards has a large and active sub-specialty practice in the management of adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF), non-CF bronchiectasis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary infections. He is a fellow of the CF Foundation (CFF) and a member of the Program for Adult Care Excellence at the CFF. He is a site Principal Investigator on several multi-center industry sponsored clinical trials in CFTR modulator therapy as well as studies from the CFF on outcomes in CF. Dr. Richards has written reviews and case studies in the management of NTM infections in CF and is a local expert in this area.

https://www.pulmonaryfellowship.hms.harvard.edu/christopher-j-richards-md 

We will open the call fifteen minutes early, so please join us if you wish to speak casually with us or other community members. Any health-related discussion will be held until the start of the meeting.

The meeting registration link is here:โ€ฏ
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclcuusrDMpG9PrF3BDUA2nw2csTkQsg7EG#/registration

Lookingโ€ฏforward to seeing you soon!

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Happy Passover to everyone who celebrates this holiday. Enjoy your celebrations. 

1 day ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Living with Bronchiectasis NTM can bring daily stressโ€”but small moments of spiritual connection can make a meaningful difference. Spirituality can be a powerful tool in the toolbox for lowering stress. Spirituality can improve how individuals cope both emotionally and physically. โ€ข A quiet prayer or moment of reflection can calm your breathing
โ€ข Trusting in something greater can ease fear and uncertainty
โ€ข Slowing down your breath helps your body shift into healing mode
โ€ข You are not aloneโ€”connection within a community brings strength.

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Information on Artemis 11 in the link below. It is so inspirational to witness what some people thought was impossible to be possible. Wishing the astronauts a great, safe and successful trip. https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/nasa-artemis-ii-launch/

Watch Live: Artemis II launches, beginning NASA's historic moon mission

NASA's Artemis II astronauts launched on a nine-day mission around the moon and back.

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Sodium Chloride 7% coverage?

Research is currently being conducted on the benefits of normal saline in BNTM patients. We will keep you updated.
windy1977 also answered the question windy1977 also answered the question

3 days ago

JD

JDvoted on What Is the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network?

Gave a thumbs up for a blog post!

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! I hope that you were not the recipient of a bad prank today.๐Ÿค—

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Below are 90 inspirational quotes for the month of April : https://www.positivityblog.com/april-quotes/
Please comment with your favorite quote.๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ‘‹ Thank you! 

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello, April! ๐ŸŒธA new month brings fresh air, longer days, more sunshine. Hopefully, you will be able to get out and about more for a walk or whatever outdoor activity you enjoy. 
Let us support one another and step forward on our healing journeys.  May you continue to show strength in ways that often go unseen. April is a reminder that progress doesnโ€™t have to be huge to be real. Every small choice for your health, every moment you choose to keep goingโ€ฆ it all counts. You are not alone in thisโ€”weโ€™re walking this path together with hope in our hearts . ๐Ÿ’™
Throughout this month, we will focus on symptom management, stress management and sleep hygiene. 
Hereโ€™s to a month of steady progress, renewed motivation, and gentle victories.

3 days ago

Kareslungs

Kareslungs

Doing OK today but have to be on O2 24/7.

3 days ago

  • NewestOldest
  • das23Welcome Kareslungs.......3 days ago
  • Ksmiles123Kareslungs,Hello! Welcome to the community. I am sure that being on oxygen 24/7 is very challenging for you. We have assistance available for you in many forms. In addition to the community support you receive here on BronchiectasisandNTM360, you can call one of our Patient Ambassadors directly by phone atโ€ฏ(833) 411-5864. Our Ambassadors are real live patients with experiences maybe able to assist you with what you are going through.โ€ฏ You can alsoโ€ฏemail us at contactus@bronchandntm.orgto get more information aboutโ€ฏany oxygen therapy.Our Ambassadors canโ€™t provide medical advice but may be able to assist you with additional information and resources. Again, welcome to the community. 3 days ago
Eileen

Eileen

Hi,Iam in the U.K . I do speedy walking around the sea front ,ending in a slow run up 50 steps, twice a day, for around 10 years, what caused the problem was being sent by my then doctor for a C.T. Scan with Contrast , I continue do speedy walking. I was not given any information regarding the scan, sent to my computer,not at the local Hospital but at a Community Diagnostic Centre. Came out of the scan in terrible condition ,then diagnosed with Bronchiectasis. I am determined to keep on walking !,  Best Wishes Eileen.



3 days ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon voted on What Is the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network?

Gave a thumbs up for a blog post!

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123commented onWhat Is the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network?

 Please do share this information with your local doctors to assist in the development of a BNTM Care Center Network in your local area. The creation of the BNTM Care Center Network is such a gift for BNTM patients throughout the USA. These centers...

4 days ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article What Is the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network?

This blog post was authored by Lucinda Shore and reviewed by the Bronchiectasis and NTM Content Review and Evaluation Committee.

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Safety and preventive measures are much easier to
address than curative measures.

BNTM DAILY SAFETY CHECKLIST

โœ… Airway Clearance โ˜
Completed airway clearance. Used proper technique (not rushed)

โ˜ Noted any change in sputum (color,
amount, thickness)

Equipment Hygiene โ˜ Washed nebulizer/devices after
use โ˜ Air dried completely

โ˜ Disinfected (as scheduled)

Hydration & Nutrition โ˜
Drank enough fluids today

โ˜ Ate balanced, nourishing
meals. Noted any early fullness or appetite changes

Environment Awareness โ˜ Avoided dust/construction exposure.
Took precautions with soil or gardening (mask/gloves) โ˜
Limited exposure to steam, hot tubs, or aerosolized water

๐Ÿ’Š Medication Safety โ˜
Took medications as prescribed โ˜ Noticed any side effects and reported
concerns as needed

๐Ÿ˜ด Rest & Energy Balance
โ˜ Balanced activity with rest โ˜
Avoided overexertion. Listened to body signals

Reflux / Aspiration Prevention โ˜
Avoided eating 2โ€“3 hours before bed

โ˜ Elevated head of bed โ˜
Noted throat clearing or morning cough

Symptom Monitoring โ˜ Worsening cough, significant
increase in sputum, fever, and energy levelsโค

Emotional Well-Being โ˜ Checked in with mood/stress โ˜
Connected with someone (text,call, support group) โ˜
Practiced a calming activity

CALL YOUR PROVIDER IF: Symptoms worsen for 3โ€“5 days, with noticeable
breathing decline, or new chest discomfort.


Consistency = Protection. Small daily actions help prevent big
setbacks ๐Ÿ’™ 

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Do you have a car you no longer need? Turn it into something truly meaningful. Give your old car ๐Ÿš— a new purpose.
Put Hope in the Driverโ€™s Seat with the COPD Foundation Vehicle Donation Program. Your generosity directly empowers the COPD Foundationโ€™s efforts to support groundbreaking research, increase public awareness, educate patients, caregivers, and medical professionals, and advocate for the more than 350 million people worldwide affected by chronic lung diseases. Donate your vehicle to COPD Foundation by simply completing the form in the link and we'll reach out to you to arrange the pick-up of your vehicle donation, at no cost to you. You may qualify for a tax deduction while supporting a cause that is near and dear to your heart https://copdfoundation.careasy.org/
       Easy Process | Free Towing 
                 Tax Benefits

COPD Foundation Vehicle Donation Program

Donating a car is fast, easy and secure. COPD Foundation accepts all types of vehicles - running or not - including cars, trucks, boats, RVs, motorcycles, and more. Donate your vehicle today!

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Happy National Doctors Day! We are so grateful to the doctors who have dedicated their careers to assist BNTM patients. The core group of BNTM doctors are committed to assist with the development of new drugs and treatments to improve the quality of our lives. 

5 days ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

These last days of Marchโ€ฆ can you feel the shift? ๐ŸŒท

Longer days, changing weather, a little more time outsideโ€ฆ and for many living with COPD, bronchiectasis, or NTM, this time of year can bring a mix of good days and a few surprises too.

So today, letโ€™s do a quick check-in togetherโ€”something simple, but really important:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Have you noticed any small changes in your breathing this week?

Sometimes itโ€™s easy to brush things off as โ€œjust allergiesโ€ or โ€œjust the weather,โ€ but those early changes can be your bodyโ€™s way of asking for a little extra attention.

Things like:
โ€ข Feeling a bit more short of breath than usual
โ€ข Needing your rescue inhaler more often
โ€ข A change in cough or mucus
โ€ข Feeling more tired than your normal

And for those living with bronchiectasisโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‘‰ Have your airway clearance routines felt a little harder lately?
Are you needing a bit more time, or not getting the same results you usually do?

That can be an important signal too.

๐Ÿ’ก This is a great time to:
โ€ข Take a quick look at your action plan
โ€ข Stay consistent with your routines
โ€ข And donโ€™t hesitate to reach out to your doctor if something feels off

Catching those changes early can make a big difference.

And just as importantโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‘‰ Whatโ€™s one small win or bright spot youโ€™ve had these past few days?

Maybe a steady breathing day, a short walk, a good laugh, or a quiet moment with someoneโ€”or somethingโ€”you love ๐Ÿพ

Iโ€™ll startโ€”thereโ€™s something about these last days of March that makes me want to slow down just enough to notice the little thingsโ€ฆ and to listen when your body whispers, not just when it shouts.

Your turnโ€”what are you noticing, and whatโ€™s been a bright spot for you? ๐Ÿ’™

5 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Are you interested in watching a great YouTube video on demographics, difficult-to-treat infections, exacerbations, hemoptysis, and more? This video is presented by the BNTM Association and Patient Care and Partner Webinar, Southeast Consortium/ Emory University, Dr. Colin Swenson, and other healthcare professionals.
 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0Uie7GwJ-GA
Let us know if you have any specific questions.

5 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Are you planning on traveling for the upcoming holidays? Below is some information that will assist you with your planning: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Travel
Unfortunately, TSA issues continue. Please pack adequate or extra supplies in the event of delays. Wishing you a good and safe trip. 

6 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Clarametyx Bioscience Clinical Trials on Pseudomonas

DAJ, Hello! Thank you for sharing positive news of a potential new drug to treat Pseudomonas. I hope the drug continues to show positive results in the remainder of this clinical trial.

6 days ago

DAJ

DAJasked the question: Clarametyx Bioscience Clinical Trials on Pseudomonas

BiomX just dropped a study for a drug to treat Pseudomonas, which was disappointing, but Clarametyx is now also working on clinical trials for a drug to treat Pseudomonas in the lung. Here is a link from a recent news release if you haven't seen it. …

1 week ago

windy1977

windy1977asked the question: Sodium Chloride 7% coverage?

Hi all, Just had a Bronchiectasis flare a couple of weeks ago. I am on Albuterol via nebulizer. Pulmonologist also said use Sodium Chloride 7% solution for nebulizer 1-2 times a day to help thin mucus. Medicare Part B rejected the Sodium Chloride. …

1 week ago

baileymccrary

baileymccraryHello all! On March 18, we had 54 COPD and bronchiectasis patients, caregivers, loved ones, healthcare providers, and COPD Foundation and Bronchiectasis and NTM Association team members join us for IMPACT Lung Health 2026 in Washington, D.C. to advocate for support of our policy priorities from our lawmakers. Together, we held 101 meetings with legislative offices representing 28 states, 56 Senate districts, and 45 House districts. Bronchiectasis and NTM Association advocates spoke with lawmakers about four critical priorities:
- Support the Development of New Bronchiectasis Treatment Approaches through FY27 Appropriations Provisions
- Increase Funding for Lung Health Research and Promote Innovative Treatments through FY27 Appropriations Provisions
- Co-sponsor the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act (H.R.2902 or S.1406) to Ensure Medicare Patients have Access to Essential Oxygen Therapy
- Co-sponsor H.R.783 or S.240 to Enact Permanent Medicare Coverage for Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation

We are incredibly proud of our team of advocates and the progress we made together for lung health in Washington, D.C.! If you'd like to virtually support IMPACT 2026, you can urge your lawmakers to support our policy priorities by visiting our Advocacy Action Center: https://www.votervoice.net/COPD/Campaigns/135958/Respond

We want to extend a special thank-you to our sponsors who made IMPACT 2026 possible! Thank you Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi USA, Inc., Insmed Incorporated, Sanofi/Regeneron, Theravance Biopharma US, Inc., and Viatris. Your support is greatly appreciated!

1 week ago

Suepink1

Suepink1

Interesting new read today from the COPD Foundation on Pseudomonas in people with non CF bronchiectasis and chronic rhinosinusitis:


Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Bronchiectasis | Journal of the COPD Foundation


not sure if that will open the link, but if it doesn't and you're interested, easy to search it.
Have a great day,

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Is Nanoe-X air purification in Toyota cars safe if you have NTM?

Ncares, You are most welcome! We are here to assist you on this BNTM journey.

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123asked the question: Are you getting a good nights sleep?

Sleep is an essential part of the healing process. Sleep provides restoration within our bodies. It impacts our ability to perform our daily tasks such as airway clearance, treatments, preparation of highly dense nutritious foods , energy to exercise and …

1 week ago

ncares

ncaresasked the question: Is Nanoe-X air purification in Toyota cars safe if you have NTM?

Apparently Toyota (in Europe) includes a Panasonic technology in the air conditioning system in some of its cars. Nanoe-X technology feeds trillions of nano-sized, atomized water particles into the ventilation airflow. These hydroxyl radicals have been …

1 week ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon Is it just allergiesโ€ฆ or something more? ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ’ญ

This time of year, itโ€™s easy to blame allergiesโ€”maybe your cough picks up a bit, you feel more tired, or your breathing just feels a little off.

But sometimesโ€ฆ itโ€™s not just allergies.

When Dr. Reddy joined us for our March Coffee Break, we spent time talking about exacerbations (flare-ups) and how important it is to recognize those early changes. This feels like a great way to keep that conversation going.

A few things to watch for:
โ€ข Increased coughing or a noticeable change in your cough
โ€ข More mucus, or mucus thatโ€™s thicker, darker, or different than usual
โ€ข Increased fatigue or feeling run down
โ€ข More shortness of breath than your normal
โ€ข Chest discomfort or tightness

What might lean more toward allergies:
โ€ข Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
โ€ข Sneezing and runny nose
โ€ข Clear, thin mucus
โ€ข Symptoms that improve when youโ€™re away from triggers

The key? Knowing your baseline.
With bronchiectasis and NTM, your โ€œnormalโ€ mattersโ€”and when something shifts, even slightly, itโ€™s worth paying attention.

We also have a helpful section on exacerbations on our website (link at the bottom of the post) if youโ€™d like to take a closer look. This is one of our regular check-ins as a community, because recognizing those early signs can make a big difference.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Thinking back to that Coffee Breakโ€”what stuck with you? Have you ever thought something was allergies, but it turned out to be more?

Letโ€™s keep the conversation goingโ€”your experience could help someone else catch it sooner.

https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Exacerbations

Exacerbations | Bronchiectasis and NTM Association

People with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease sometimes struggle with staying well. Inflammation coupled with mucus pooling in the lungs becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. If you are unable to clear the mucus from your airway, you may have a greater chance of having an exacerbation (x-saa …

1 week ago

  • NewestOldest
  • Ksmiles123Yes, letโ€™s keep the conversation going from our last coffee break. We are here to answer any follow up questions that you may have. We often get too many question many questions in the chat to respond to before the time is up. We are here on an ongoing basis to answer the questions that were not addressed during our BNTM Coffee Breaks.. 1 week ago
  • das23Pollen is just picking up here in NE. So far so good. We'll see how it goes this year. Great post Brandon!! Thanks1 week ago

Medical Advice

It is not our intention to serve as a substitute for medical advice and any content posted should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with bronchiectasis and NTM, please consult a physician before making changes to your own disease management plan.

 
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