BronchandNTM360social welcomes new member Elene who joins 4,295 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Delia

Delia

Hi all, I am pleased to announce that Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 is changing its name to the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association. The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association will operate as a DBA (doing business as) unit of the COPD Foundation. Over the course of the next several months, we will be rebranding our website from Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 to the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association, which will have a new logo, and color scheme. 


I am also excited to share that the new Bronchiectasis and NTM Association has expanded its medical and scientific leadership to include Dr. Doreen Addrizzo-Harris, who will oversee our clinical care delivery programs and Dr. Chuck Daley, who will oversee our research programs. Dr. Tim Aksamit will continue to serve as our Medical Director. Elisha Malanga will serve as Executive Director of the Association. Rest assured that our terrific bronchiectasis and NTM staff continues to be part of these exciting changes. We will also continue to work closely with NTMir and our other partner organizations. We are looking forward to this next era in bronchiectasis and NTM! Please reach out with any questions: delia@bronchandntm.org.

4 days ago

Alyssa Dittner

Alyssa Dittner**Survey Opportunity**
Help uncover the challenges of living with Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis (NCFBE) by participating in an online survey. If you have NCFBE symptoms and have experienced a bronchiectasis ๏ฌ‚are (exacerbation) in the past year, register today.
Visit https://bronchiectasis-burden.com/us/

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Pseudomonas

Hello Annie, The link below provides basic information on Pseudomonas infections: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Pseudomonas-Aeruginosa-Lung-Infections I was treated with Tobramycin inhalation, on …
360Coach Brandon also answered the question 360Coach Brandon also answered the question

5 hours ago

Annie99

Annie99asked the question: Pseudomonas

For the first time, my culture showed the presence of Pseudomonas. :-( How do I weig the pros and cons of to attempt eradication?

7 hours ago

marsrocket

marsrocket

โ€œIt doesnโ€™t matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.โ€ -- Confucius

Happy Tuesday, friends. 

11 hours ago

Kandy

KandyToday, on 4 February, WHO joins the international community in commemorating World Cancer Day under the theme โ€œUnited by Uniqueโ€, a reminder that every cancer journey matters, and that collective action is key to ensuring compassionate, equitable care for all.

12 hours ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! The link below reviews the basics of nutrition for the BNTM patient: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Nutrition

1 day ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123asked the question: Hello! Do you have an exercise plan in place?

Any exercise is better than no exercise for individuals who have lung disorders The link below reviews the benefits of exercise for the BNTM patient: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Exercise

1 day ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Happy Groundhog Day! The groundhog predicts 6 more weeks of winter weather:(.  We can handle it as long as we donโ€™t have to endure sub zero temperatures again. https://www.aol.com/groundhog-day-2025-punxsutawney-phil-131359378.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9zZWFyY2gueWFob28uY29tLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAMqd-EHMVzS57x5Zg9k7oFq5_iAjMEz0uKj0f1FRhQeaIOkyD5paJqFdx-LKSDmSJjSJEbkLvYqL5u7i5hqOKHuz8wxQbqIfQrescTgcCEZYWvtGOM_KAHSiQ2AIv3cvchk_osAaFxpVtQOFm7590UFxsWWQNTRHd3RPBX9PfX2f

Groundhog Day 2025: Punxsutawney Phil Predicts 6 More Weeks of Winter Weather

The world's famous groundhog announced his annual weather report on Sunday, Feb. 2

2 days ago

M in NC

M in NC

Hello, I'm new to this site and recently discovered I have BE and possibly NTM.     Throughout my journey - even with exacerbations and infections - I have a DRY cough without mucus or sputum production.   After about 3 weeks of airway clearance therapy, I have still been unable to cough up anything.  If any of you have had similar (dry) experiences, I would love to hear if you found a way to rid the mucus.   My current therapy is albuterol inhaler, nebulizer with salt, and Aerobika.   Have also tried autogenic drainage.  Thanks very much.

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! I hope that you will be a โ€œ doerโ€, taking the necessary action steps to tackle your lung health throughout the month of February. 

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Happy February to all members. We will be addressing the basics of Heart and Physical health, including exercise, nutrition, the basics of gastrointestinal diagnostic testing, reflux, and the gut microbiome. We will also be celebrating National Caregivers Day on the 21st of the month. 
 

3 days ago

marsrocket

marsrocketMy insurance company would not approve Arikayce for my Mac treatment, so my ID doc is going with plan B, where amikacin is blended with .9 percent saline so it can be nebulized. Hopefully it will be a helpful. The only benefit I noticed from the pills so far is slightly less coughing at night. The rest of the day I'm an out of control coughing machine. I also made it outside today, since the weather is pretty nice. 

5 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello!  What type of respiratory symptom tracking are you currently using?
The Bronchiectasis Symptom Tracker and Management Tool below assist you in tracking/ reporting your symptoms to your health care provider: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/DownloadsLibrary/Files/Bronchiectasis_Symptom_Therapy_Tracker.pdf

5 days ago

Alyssa Dittner

Alyssa Dittner created the event European Bronchiectasis Workshop & Forum Updates: Webinar with Professor Chalmers

In this hour and a half webinar Professor James Chalmers will give highlights from the 7th Forum on Respiratory Tract Infections in Glasgow, Scotland and the European Bronchiectasis Conference in Paris, France and answer questions. Professor James …

6 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Happy New Year ๐ŸŽŠ๐ŸŽ† to all who celebrate today! 

6 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! How are you doing? A heat wave is going on in the Pittsburgh area- going to be 40 degrees today. Do weather changes, drastic temperature changes impact your energy levels?

6 days ago

marsrocket

marsrocketAccording to research from 2022, some MAC patients might have a less vigorous immune response to the infection due to a shortage of TH1 cells. An article about the findings that includes a link to the study details is below. "Another contributing factor includes anatomic barriers. Individuals with ciliary dysfunction, cystic fibrosis, or preexisting bronchiectasis, have anatomic lung defects that separate bacilli from adaptive immune surveillance."
https://www.lji.org/news-events/news/post/immunologic-defect-may-leave-some-vulnerable-to-rare-bacterial-infection/

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Being a BNTM patient often requires visits to many health care specialists. How are you navigating visits to the multiple providers? The blog article below offers some points. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/134/Being-a-Patient-with-NTMBronchiectasis-Can-Seem-like-a-Fulltime-Job-Tips-on-Nav

1 week ago

das23

das23commented onMy Journey with Lung Disease: Family Connection

 Thanks for sharing your story John. We need all the information we can get. I'm about 8 months into knowing I have bronchiectasis ( I still have to check the spelling!! ). No mention of anything else yet--beside the COPD that I've been treating since...

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! The journey to get the correct diagnosis for respiratory patients is often a long and challenging process. The symptoms of many respiratory illnesses overlap which causes confusion amongst health care providers who are not updated in the latest continuing medical education on the assessment of respiratory conditions. The blog article below, written by BNTM Patient Ambassador reviews his experiences in getting accurately diagnosed. Patients must advocate for themselves if their gut instincts tell them that they must continue to seek additional opinions from other health care professionals as needed: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/114/My-Journey-with-Lung-Disease-Family-Connection

My Journey with Lung Disease: Family Connection

Written by patient and advocate John Torrence The Infectious Disease doctor told me that this is an extremely rare condition, yet all of his big words sounded strangely familiar. My mother has had a long history lung issues, so I called her and asked her to describe her symptoms and medications. …

1 week ago

Kandy

KandyGood morning want to wish everyone in the community a happy Monday and a very good new week.  Take care and stay well. 

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Share Your Story - Symptoms and Diagnosis

Michelle, Hello! Welcome to the community. I am sorry to read about your long journey to the right diagnosis. However, I am glad that you have the right diagnosis and can go forward, seeking the right treatment protocol. Do you have high confidence in …
MichelePorter58BarbSReeceand 10 others also answered the question MichelePorter58and 12 others also answered the question

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! 52 days till the first day of spring!!! ๐Ÿ˜โ˜€https://daysuntilspring.net/days-until-spring/

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! The video below is about Feeling Your Best With Bronchiectasis- Mental Health, featuring Gabrielle Davis, RRT, MPH,, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=h2TsnCr-FhQ

1 week ago

marsrocket

marsrocketHave a fantastic Friday, fearless and/or ferocious friends. 

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Healthy friendships are important to our physical and emotional health. Below is an article , from the Mayo Clinic about promoting and maintaining friendships: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860

The health benefits of good friends

Friendships can have a big impact on your health and well-being. Follow these tips to make lasting friendships.

1 week ago

Storyteller

Storyteller

Does anyone use a bronchodilator before levalbuterol or albuterol before sodium chloride ? I am so nervous  even from levalbuterol, wrote to pulmo. Didnโ€™t hear back y et, 

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! The Infographic below is on Staying Healthy and Avoiding Pneumonia. The winter months are when healthcare facilities diagnose the highest number of pneumonia cases. Be safe, take preventative measures: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/DownloadsLibrary/Files/StayingHealthyPneumonia.pdf

1 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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