BronchandNTM360social welcomes new member Blasha who joins 5,214 current members of our community. We’re glad you're here!

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon Hello everyone! 

Our next BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break is Thursday, May 07, 2026 @ 2:30pm EST. We moved the May Coffee Break up a week so it wouldn’t conflict with the NTMir Patient Conference May 13-14.

Dr. Shelby MacRae, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine- Pulmonary/Critical Care at the LSUHSC School of Medicine, returns this month to discuss effective communication with your doctors and when to escalate care. https://www.medschool.lsuhsc.edu/DOM/Sections/Pulmonary-CC/faculty/shelby_macrae.aspx

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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclcuusrDMpG9PrF3BDUA2nw2csTkQsg7EG#/registration 

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

4 days ago

ansi243

ansi243answered the question CT shows NTM MAI possibility but Negative Labs?

CT findings can sometimes suggest NTM/MAI even when cultures stay negative. It might be worth discussing with your pulmonologist about repeat sputum testing over time or a referral to a bronchiectasis/NTM specialty center for a second opinion.
Ksmiles123 also answered the question Ksmiles123 also answered the question

6 hours ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

🚀✨ May the 4th Be With You… and may your lungs find a little extra ease today. 💙

Happy Star Wars Day, Bronchiectasis & NTM community!

Some days feel like a calm cruise through the galaxy… and others feel more like you’re dodging asteroids just to get through the day. If today’s one of those tougher ones, just know—taking it slow, listening to your body, and getting through it your way is more than enough.

Let’s have a little fun with it…

🌬️ Jedi-Level Breathing & Airway Clearance: Whether it’s your routine, your vest, or your go-to technique—finding that steady rhythm can feel a lot like tapping into the Force. One step, one breath at a time.
🚶‍♂️ No Hyperspace Required: Energy can come and go—so whether today is a “do a little” or a “rest and recharge” kind of day, both count.
🧰 Your Tools = Your Lightsaber: Nebulizers, inhalers, airway clearance devices—these are part of your toolkit to keep things moving and help you feel your best.
🧠 Trust Your Body’s Signals: You know your baseline. If something feels off, it’s okay to pause, adjust, or reach out to your care team.

And let’s be real for a second…
Even Darth Vader needed a pretty advanced setup to help him breathe 😄

💬 Now for the fun part:
If you had a Star Wars sidekick for your lung health journey, who would you pick?

🧙‍♂️ Yoda for calm, steady guidance?
🤖 R2-D2 to keep everything running smoothly?
🐾 Chewbacca for strength on the tough days?
👑 Leia for resilience and leadership?

Or someone else entirely?

Drop it below—we’d love to hear!

However today looks for you, we’re glad you’re here. Take it at your pace, find your moments, and keep doing what works for you.

🌟 The Force is strong with you!

15 hours ago

  • Ksmiles123Brandon,
    Happy Starwars Day! Luv your creative post. I chose Chewbacca for strength on tough days. :) 9 hours ago
Kalli Mago (Communications Coordinator)

Kalli Mago (Communications Coordinator)

May is National Clean Air Month. As you may know, air quality can have a big impact on health and well-being when you have bronchiectasis, NTM lung disease, or other chronic lung conditions. Studies show that air pollution increases the risk of exacerbations, causing day-to-day symptoms to become worse.

Everything from wildfires to vehicle emissions impacts the quality of the air we breathe. To navigate air pollution and protect your lungs, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
✨Monitor the air quality where you live. Resources like AirNow.gov can show you the current air quality for your zip code and predict what the air quality will be like over the next few days.
✨When the air quality is bad, try to stay indoors. Save outdoor activities for good air quality days.
✨If you do go outside on bad air quality days, wearing an N95 mask can help prevent pollutants like dust and smoke from getting inside your airways.
✨Outdoor air quality can affect indoor air quality as well. Consider using a HEPA air purifier inside to keep the air in your home clean and fresh.

If you have any experiences navigating air quality, feel free to share them in the comments!

20 hours ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Throughout May, health organizations, community
groups, and advocates work to spread the word about mental health issues that
affect women. Why Women’s Mental Health Needs More Attention: Men and women can
both have mental health problems, but studies reveal that women are more likely
to have particular problems because of a mix of hormones, life events, and
social norms. Some important reasons to pay attention to women’s mental health
are: Biological factors: Changes in hormones during menstruation, pregnancy,
after giving birth, and menopause might impact how you feel and how stable your
emotions are. Life roles: several women have to juggle several duties, like
employment, taking care of children, and caring for others, which can make them
feel burned out. Social pressures: Women typically face additional stress due to societal expectations regarding looks, success, and
family life.

Women are almost twice as likely as men to have anxiety and
depression, which makes them more likely to have problems. Women’s Mental
Health Month gives people a chance to talk about these issues, fight stigma,
and make it easier to access mental health care.



23 hours ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! May is Mental Health Awareness Month.Living with bronchiectasis and NTM can ask a lot of you — physically, emotionally, and mentally. The appointments, medications, uncertainty, fatigue, and daily routines can be exhausting in ways others may not always see nor understand .Taking care of your mental health is part of taking care of your lungs. A few examples of good self care include asking for support, resting without guilt, talking with someone who understands, or simply giving yourself credit for getting through a hard day.  Your strength is not only in how much you push through, but also in how well you care for yourself. Please make space for peace, hope and regular rewards for all of your self maintenance activities. Be good to yourself throughout this month and beyond. We are here to support you on your journey. 

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Welcome to the month of May! May is my favorite month of the year- perfect temperatures, not too hot , not too cool. This weather is easier breathing for most people unless you are impacted by severe allergies/ asthma . April showers are behind us, budding flowers surround us. Throughout the month, we will focus on the following topics: Asthma and allergies, Women’s Health including women’s mental health, a review of the Multidisciplinary Health Care Team utilized by BNTM individuals and communicating effectively with this team of specialists. Lastly, we will discuss the joys of Summer Travel and some precautions that are recommended . I wish you a wonderful month ahead! Please reach out if you have any specific questions on any of these topics. 

3 days ago

Jsn

Jsn

I was also wondering does anyone cough a lot when talking this is affecting my social life

4 days ago

Jsn

Jsn

Not good I was wondering I have lots of sinus post nasal drip which makes me cough died Antonella’s have these issues

4 days ago

Alyssa Dittner

Alyssa Dittner created the event From Flare-Ups to Daily Life: Bronchiectasis Symptom Management

Join the bronchiectasis team at University of Alabama at Birmingham, led by Center Director George M. Solomon, MD, on July 1 at 2:00 PM ET for a virtual event on managing bronchiectasis symptoms, from flare-ups (exacerbations) to day-to-day life. After …

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Dear Friend of the COPD Foundation, 
Looking for an easy way to support the COPD Foundation? Donating your vehicle is a straightforward process designed to make giving simple and stress-free: Start your donation online or by phone - Complete a secure form or speak with a vehicle donor support representative. Schedule your free vehicle pick-up - Your vehicle is picked up at a time that works for you - at no cost. Receive your donation receipt - Once your vehicle is sold, you'll receive documentation for your tax records. Cars, trucks, RVs, boats, motorcycles, and more are accepted - whether they're running or not. Your vehicle donation helps support the programs and services that power our mission. Start Your Vehicle Donation. 
Thank you for making a difference in every breath. 
Warm regards, Jean Wright, M.D., MBA, CEO. 

4 days ago

Alyssa Dittner

Alyssa Dittner created the event Nutrition & Bronchiectasis

Join us in honor of World Bronchiectasis Day for an engaging webinar, Nutrition & Bronchiectasis, on Wednesday, July 1 at 3:30 PM Eastern , featuring nutrition expert Michelle MacDonald, MS, RDN, CDCES. This session will focus on the unique …

4 days ago

Alyssa Dittner

Alyssa Dittner created the event Bronchiectasis Management: From Guidelines to Patient Care

Join us for a live webinar on July 1 at 12pm ET in celebration of World Bronchiectasis Day, led by Timothy R. Aksamit, MD, Medical Director of the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association. This session will review the new Bronchiectasis Pathway Pocket Guide, …

4 days ago

Alyssa Dittner

Alyssa Dittner created the event Bronchiectasis Management: From Guidelines to Patient Care

Join us for a live webinar on June 9 at 12pm ET in celebration of World Bronchiectasis Day, led by Timothy R. Aksamit, MD, Medical Director of the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association. This session will review the new Bronchiectasis Pathway Pocket Guide, …

4 days ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

🎤 Honesty Day… and a little real talk for our BNTM community

With bronchiectasis or NTM, things don’t always show up the same way every day. Some days feel manageable… and others can sneak up on you.

And if we’re being honest?

Sometimes it’s easier to say “I’m fine” than to explain everything that’s really going on.

But today’s a good day to try something different.

💬 Being honest with your care team
➡ “My cough has been more frequent.”
➡ “I’m more fatigued than usual.”
➡ “This flare feels different than the last one.”

💬 Being honest with your routine
➡ “I’ve been skipping airway clearance—I need to get back on track.”
➡ “I’m feeling overwhelmed with treatments today.”

💬 Being honest with the people around you
➡ “I need to slow things down today.”
➡ “I want to be there, but I may need to step away and rest.”

💬 And maybe the toughest one… being honest with yourself
➡ “This is a hard day.”
➡ “I’m doing the best I can—and that counts.”

Honesty doesn’t mean you’re falling behind—it means you’re paying attention. And with BNTM, that awareness can make a real difference in how you manage symptoms and care for yourself.

💬 Let’s hear from you:
What’s something you’ve learned to be more honest about on your journey with bronchiectasis or NTM?

4 days ago

  • NewestOldest
  • Ksmiles123Brandon,
    Great post! Honesty within ourselves is self care. I often deny the need to rest and keep on pushing through at times when I really should not be doing so . It can be challenging when my mind wants to do so much more than my body is able to do at that point in time.Communicating effectively and without major guilt to family , friends and colleagues is practicing good self care. Thank you again for a great post. 4 days ago
  • KayPNWYes, great post! I have learned that when I have a bad coughing fit it wears me out for the rest of the day, so I give myself permission to cancel my plans. It's hard to cancel plans, but when I'm honest with myself about how this condition can affect my physical and emotional well-being, I feel relieved to excuse myself and stay home and rest and recover.4 days ago
  • Ksmiles123KayPNW,
    You are doing the right thing by listening to your body. It took me a while to accept that it is okay to cancel plans- some people understand, some do not. You learn who your true friends are over time.  I don't enjoy special events if I am tired- I can physically be present, but I do not get anything out of the event personally.4 days ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Do you feel that you are following sleep suggestions and you are still unable to sleep?

Alyssa, An important point on alcohol. Many individuals enjoy a glass of wine 🍷 in the late evening- Wine can impact the quality of one’s sleep and trigger reflux. It is better to consume a glass of wine earlier in the day if this is possible and fits …
Alyssa Dittneransi243 also answered the question Alyssa Dittnerand 1 other also answered the question

5 days ago

Alyssa Dittner

Alyssa Dittneranswered the question ​New here, looking for guidance and shared experiences

Welcome, Wajo23! You are in the right place for education and community. I know several people have already shared some of our resources, but if you are looking for a way to hear from both experts and people living with bronchiectasis, I also recommend …
ChristinaHKsmiles123 also answered the question ChristinaHand 1 other also answered the question

5 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! The Bronchiectasis Information Sheet below includes the
goals of bronchiectasis treatment, medications, lifestyle changes, and more.
You can share this sheet with your healthcare providers who may not be informed
about your care. Please let us know if you have any questions. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/Educational-Materials-Resources/Downloads-Library#TreatmentBronch

Downloads Library | Bronchiectasis and NTM Association

Thank you for your interest in Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 educational
library. We have a variety of useful booklets, flyers, and tools to help you
learn more about living with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease.

5 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Brinsupri Results

below is a link on frequently asked questions about Brinsupri https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/DownloadsLibrary/Files/Brinsupri_FAQ.pdf
PatsyRCountryviolet also answered the question PatsyRand 1 other also answered the question

6 days ago

Kalli Mago (Communications Coordinator)

Kalli Mago (Communications Coordinator)Your work environment can have a big impact on your lung health, especially when you have chronic lung disease.

Common risks include exposure to:
💨Airborne irritants such as dust, fumes, mold, or chemicals that can irritate your airway and cause lung damage over time.
🦠 Bacteria and viruses that can cause respiratory infections.
❄Cold or damp air, which can contribute to more frequent exacerbations.

These risks can affect people in many different types of jobs. For example, construction workers, firefighters, hairstylists, and house cleaners may all face exposure to airborne irritants. Meanwhile, teachers, health care workers, and those in other professions involving close contact with others often face increased risk of illness.

To protect your lungs at work, keep these tips in mind:
✨Wear protective gear as appropriate.
✨Get vaccinated to reduce the risk of illness.
✨Ask your employer for accommodations as needed.

Has your workplace ever impacted your lung health? Share additional tips to protect your lungs and your overall well-being in the comments!

6 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

ER or Urgent Care with Bronchiectasis & NTM—What to Know.
There are times when going to the ER or urgent care is the right call with
bronchiectasis or NTM. A little preparation can help you protect yourself and
get more personalized care. Things to keep in mind:• Exposure to infections –
These settings often include people with respiratory illnesses, increasing the
risk of flare-ups or secondary infections.• Limited familiarity with BNTM – Not
all providers specialize in bronchiectasis or NTM. Baseline symptoms (like
chronic cough) may be misunderstood, and exacerbations can be missed.•
Antibiotic use – “Just in case” antibiotics may not always be the best fit.
They can disrupt your microbiome, promote resistance, and impact future treatment
options.• Lack of continuity – ER care is often one-time. Your history,
cultures, and past responses may not be fully considered.• Environment matters
– Dry air, long waits, and stress can worsen symptoms.

When to go (don’t wait):

Significant shortness of breath, chest pain, more than small
streaks of blood, high fever with worsening symptoms, or dropping oxygen
levels. How to prepare: Bring a simple BNTM info card with: Diagnosis
(bronchiectasis + NTM type if known), Medications, Antibiotics that
have/haven’t worked, Specialist contact info. You can also bring your Action
Plan or Management Tool from the Bronchiectasis and NTM Initiative. Helpful
tips: Wear an N95/KN95. Ask for a less crowded waiting area if possible. Stay
hydrated. Advocate for targeted antibiotics. A few proactive steps can make a
big difference—helping you stay a step ahead instead of reacting to a flare.💬
What has helped you feel more prepared during an ER or urgent care visit?

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Today is Alpha-1 Awareness Day in Europe - this day is dedicated to learn more about alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (#AATD) and raise awareness of this rare lung condition.

Understanding Alpha-1 is an important step towards earlier diagnosis, better care and support for affected individuals.

1 week ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

We made it to Friday! 🙌😄

Weekend mode is officially within reach… and however you spend it, make it yours. Maybe it’s a short stroll, a favorite show on repeat (we all have one 😄), time with family, or settling into your go-to cozy spot.

For our bronchiectasis & NTM crew, weekends can still come with their routines—airway clearance, meds, and pacing things out—but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for those “feel good” moments along the way.

A few friendly reminders as you head into the weekend:
💧 Stay hydrated
🫁 Keep up with airway clearance (future you will thank you!)
💊 Keep those meds on track
⏸️ And give yourself permission to pause when your body asks for it

Because the best weekends aren’t about doing everything—they’re about doing what works for you and keeps things feeling steady.

Wishing you a weekend full of comfort, a few bright moments, and maybe even a little extra ease in your breathing. 🌿

💬 What’s your weekend plan… sticking with your routine, sneaking in something fun, or a little bit of both?

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Below is a link for the NTM Management Tool- this tool will assist you on your NTM Journey. This management tool lists the education, tools, and resources that will assist you in living well with NTM lung disease. Tools and techniques include regular airway clearance, medications, and more. The tool reviews the basics of NTM management and helps you track symptoms so you are better prepared for your visit with your healthcare provider. Lastly, the tool reviews treatment expectations, goal setting, and provides links for support. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/DownloadsLibrary/Files/NTM_Management_Tool.pdf

1 week ago

Darla

Darla

I'm quite happy to find this group. I was diagnosed with NTM in 2019. Treated for 18 months and also treated for relapse in 2023. In December 2015 I was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis. Since that time, I believe I have had two, what I believe to be, flares, but need some symptom clarification.  Specifically, I had horrible coughing, mucus production, fatigue and fever and extreme chills. However, I also had terrible body/muscle pain and headache, and it never crossed my mind that it could be a flare. I thought I had Influenza.  All these symptoms occurred once again.  They were severe enough that my husband wanted me to go to the ER.  Do others with this disease have the additional symptoms? 

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Have you recently had an appointment with a healthcare provider who did not understand the basics of bronchiectasis treatment? I get tired of explaining bronchiectasis symptoms and treatments to healthcare providers, whether they are direct healthcare professionals, physical therapists, dietitians, or any other provider. Below is a basic treatment flyer on bronchiectasis that you can share, as needed, with a healthcare provider.
 https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/Files/WBD/WBD_Treatment_Flyer_WEB.pdf

1 week ago

  • NewestOldest
  • ChristinaHThis is great information, Katie. I also wanted to suggest to the community that it is important to see providers who are well-versed in bronchiectasis and NTM. If you are patient and feel as though you may need expert care, don't be afraid to get a second opinion and visit one of our centers in the Care Center Network. 6 days ago
  • Alyssa DittnerMake sure to help us celebrate World Bronchiectasis Day! Awareness is key. The louder we are and the more splashes we make, the more attention we can draw to bronchiectasis and help educate those who are not yet informed.


    If you are interested in sharing your story, please reach out to me at alyssa@bronchandNTM.org. We have a simple way to amplify your voice using an app. 


    P.S. Did you know it is estimated that it takes about 17 years for strong clinical research evidence to become routine practice at the bedside? Even when new research comes out, we still need to keep sharing and speaking up!5 days ago
  • Ksmiles123I do hope that you will think about sharing your story. Greater public awareness of how you are impacted on a daily basis increases the chances of getting more funds for research. 5 days ago
Jame

Jame

thank you I am looking forward in being a part of this

1 week ago

Kalli Mago (Communications Coordinator)

Kalli Mago (Communications Coordinator)Are you familiar with the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association’s Care Center Network? This nationwide network of centers helps support high-quality, specialized care for bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease. 

Looking for expert care to help manage your lung health? Find a specialized center near you using our searchable directory: https://copdf.co/Find-Care

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

How do you currently track your respiratory symptoms?

The bronchiectasis symptom and therapy tracker was designed for
those who wish to track their symptoms. Using this tool will help you track how
you feel, your airway clearance performance, and your daily activity log.

This tool provides boxes to check off daily to track how you
feel overall. If you have 3 or more yellow days in a row, notify your health
care provider of changes in your symptoms.

Airway Clearance Tracker-If you find that you need to
perform airway clearance more than 3 times a day for three days, please notify
your health care provider of this change.

Daily Activity Log- includes a checklist for the most common
types of exercise and activities. Checking this box will note that you can continue
exercising, being unable to maintain your exercise plan is a red flag that
something is going on, and it may be time to contact your healthcare provider.

Some individuals may be in denial since no one wants to face
the fact that they are getting sick, dealing with a flare-up/ exacerbation.
Tracking and managing your symptoms on a timely basis is far better than
waiting until a respiratory issue worsens. I hope that you will find this
management tool helpful.

https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/Educational-Materials-Resources/Downloads-Library#Symptom









1 week ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon Have you ever had one of those days where your breathing feels just a little “off”… but you’re not quite sure what to do next? 🫁

That’s where a Bronchiectasis Action Plan can really help.

Think of it as your personal roadmap - created together with your doctor - to guide you through the ups, the downs, and everything in between. It’s there for those moments when symptoms start to shift and you want to feel more confident about your next step.

An action plan can help you:
✨ Understand what your “baseline” looks like on a good day
✨ Recognize early warning signs (like changes in mucus, coughing, fatigue, or shortness of breath)
✨ Know what steps to take right away if things start to flare
✨ Feel more prepared about when it’s time to call your care team

The goal isn’t to make things complicated - it’s to make things clearer. When you already have a plan in place, it can take away some of the uncertainty and help you respond earlier, which can make a real difference.

If you don’t have one yet, it might be a great conversation to bring to your next appointment. You can even print one out ahead of time and go through it together so it truly fits your routine and your needs.

And if you already have one - this is a great reminder to take a quick look and make sure it still reflects how you’re feeling today.

💬 We’d love to hear from you:
Do you have an action plan in place? Has it helped you feel more prepared when symptoms change?

You’re not alone in this - we’re all learning from each other, one step at a time 💙

https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/Educational-Materials-Resources/Downloads-Library#ActionPlan

Downloads Library | Bronchiectasis and NTM Association

Thank you for your interest in Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 educational library. We have a variety of useful booklets, flyers, and tools to help you learn more about living with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease.

1 week ago

  • Ksmiles123"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure", as the old cliche goes, by Ben Franklin. His expression meant that, when dealing with a problem, spending a small amount of time and effort up early on is a good investment. It is better to take health precautions and to recognize early signs of respiratory issues than to deal with greater consequences later on.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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