BronchandNTM360social welcomes new member Melony who joins 4,943 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

Getting Winter-Ready โ€” Simple Steps to Stay Safe and Cozy

As winter edges closer, itโ€™s the perfect time to get ahead of the cold before snow and ice arrive. A few thoughtful steps can go a long way in keeping you healthy and comfortable:

๐Ÿฉบ Schedule your appointments early. If youโ€™re due for a physical or eye exam, try to get them done before the weather turns rough.

๐Ÿงฃ Bring out the comfort. Wash and air out your winter blankets and comforters so theyโ€™re ready when the chill sets in.

โ„ Plan ahead for snow removal. Whether itโ€™s a neighbor, friend, or local service, having help lined up before a storm hits saves stress later.

โ˜• Stock up the pantry. Keep favorites like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, soups, and broths ready โ€” theyโ€™re comforting and help with hydration too.

๐Ÿ›’ Arrange for groceries. Make plans now for someone to help with deliveries or pickups if you canโ€™t get out safely.

๐Ÿ’Š Check with your doctor about cold medicines. Always be sure cough syrups, throat lozenges, or over-the-counter meds are safe for you and wonโ€™t interfere with your prescriptions.

โœจ Think through before you do. A little planning now can make your winter easier and the holidays brighter!

1 day ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! I realize that this is a busy week of the year for many members. Please do not forget to include your airway clearance into your daily activities. As the health care professionals repeat over and over again โ€œ Airway Clearance, Airway Clearance, Airway Clearanceโ€ฆโ€, as the best way to manage Bronchiectasis. The link below reviews the different airway clearance devices and the meds for airway clearance: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Coping-with-Airway-Mucus

Coping with Airway Mucus | Bronchiectasis and NTM Association

Individuals with bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease struggle to keep their airways clear of mucus. Bronchiectasis causes too much mucus, which collects in the lungs. It also creates expanded airways, which makes it harder to cough up the mucus. The cilia in the …

12 hours ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! As we approach the holiday season, it is a good time to review preventative measures to lessen exacerbations in BNTM individuals.  As the old cliche says โ€œ An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure โ€œ. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/91/Preventing-Winter-Exacerbations-in-Bronchiectasis-and-NTM-Patients

Preventing Winter Exacerbations in Bronchiectasis and NTM Patients

This blog post was written by Katie Keating, RN, MS, patient advocate Exacerbations and flare-ups are a part of life for many bronchiectasis and/or NTM patients. A flare-up is when your everyday symptoms worsen; such as on humid or rainy days. Exacerbations, however, last longer and are more …

1 day ago

TimD

TimD created the event December 2025 BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break

Hello everyone! Our next BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break is Wednesday, December 10, 2025 @ 2:30pm EST. We will end the year with an open Questions and Answer session. Please plan to ask your questions during our discussion or email them to us in …

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

This yearโ€™s theme for World COPD Day is โ€œ Short of Breath, think COPD. The RT magazine article below discusses the need for more diagnostic testing to be done early on for people with shortness of breath. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment early on will improve the quality of life for many individuals: https://respiratory-therapy.com/disorders-diseases/chronic-pulmonary-disorders/copd/world-copd-day-2025/?utm_term=RT%20Five%20Nov%202025&utm_campaign_type=newsletter&utm_hsid=346581813&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_9IlSWeAeVLh2ktc3RNQ00qbMNN5UCBAJ88j7h4bxN67iY8MaaF_Z-i4TsD1A8WV_rcAanm-JkwfQJIjAKqA2SaHJuyQ&_hsmi=390537346&utm_source=newsletter

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Podcast #13 Reviews the COPD Overlap Syndrome, with Dr.,Tim Askamit, Medical Director of the BNTM Association: https://bronchiectasisandntm360.podbean.com/e/episode-13-uncovering-the-overlap-copd-bronchiectasis-and-ntm/

Episode 13 : Uncovering the Overlap: COPD, Bronchiectasis, and NTM | Bronchiectasis and NTM Association

To view/listen to this episode on YouTube, click here. Dr. Tim Aksamit, Medical Director of the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association, discusses how many individuals with COPD may also have overlapping conditions such as bronchiectasis and NTM. This episode highlights the challenges of early …

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! As we celebrate World COPD day, I am posting information about the significant overlap of Bronchiectasis and COPD: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/COPD-Bronchiectasis-Overlap

COPD-Bronchiectasis Overlap | Bronchiectasis and NTM Association

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a term utilized to describe chronic lung diseases including emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, frequent coughing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest.

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Are you free tomorrow 11/19/25@11am,EST? 
 The COPD Foundation is excited to be hosting a special live session about one of our most unique programs: Harmonicas for Health. Tune in at https://lnkd.in/gw-xgVTx 
at 11 a.m. Eastern Time for this virtual session. Grab your harmonica and get ready to make some noise!
The Harmonicas for Health program, created by respiratory therapists, teaches patients to mimic pursed-lip breathing, which may make breathing easier and lessen the stress of not being able to breathe well.

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Exciting news around the globe- Brinsupri has been approved by the European Commission, as the first drug for non cystic fibrosis patients. Details of this announcement are in the link below: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/european-commission-approves-brinsupri-brensocatib-as-the-first-and-only-treatment-approved-for-non-cystic-fibrosis-bronchiectasis-in-the-european-union-302618805.html

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Have you been tested or are you interested in being tested for Alpha 1Antitrypsin Deficiency Disorder? Information on the diagnostic test is in the link below:,https://alpha1.org/testing-diagnosis/

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Do you have Alpha 1Atitrypsin Deficiency Disease ? Alpha 1 can be the cause of Bronchiectasis in some patients. Below is a recent video on Alpha1 from the patient perspective: https://alpha1.org/video-library/

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Are you doing airway clearance regularly?

The video above , Feeling Your Best with Bronchiectasis: Airway Cleincludes presenters Bradley Boynton, RT and Christina Hunt, RT, Senior Director of BNTM Care Delivery and Education.
Indywoman also answered the question Indywoman also answered the question

5 days ago

Bluegirl13

Bluegirl13

Good Afternoon,

I'm new to the website. I finally got a diagnosis last year after about 3 years of hardly being listened to in terms to the symptoms I was experiencing. My Pulmonologist told me to check out this website. Hoping to learn more. 


Have a great day!

5 days ago

  • NewestOldest
  • 360Coach Brandon Hi Bluegirl13โ€‹, welcome to our community! Weโ€™re really glad youโ€™re here. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. If youโ€™d like to connect with another patient, we have wonderful Ambassadors who are always happy to help. You can reach a Patient Ambassador directly at (833) 411-5864 โ€” theyโ€™re real patients with similar experiences and understand what youโ€™re going through. You can also email us anytime at contactus@bronchandntm.org5 days ago
  • Ksmiles123Welcome Bluegirl13,
    I am glad that you finally got the right diagnosis. Unfortunately, many other people have faced a long road before getting the right diagnosis and treatment. We are here to assist you. Please let us know if you have any specific questions 5 days ago
  • das23Welcome Bluegirl13......You're in the right placeโœŒ5 days ago
Alyssa Dittner

Alyssa Dittner

Weโ€™re close to reaching an exciting milestoneโ€”nearly 5,000 members in the Bronchiectasis and NTM360social online community! ๐ŸŽ‰

5 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Healthy lifestyle choices can assist Alpha -1 patients to have a better quality of life. Below is information from the Aplha-1 Foundation on these lifestyle options: https://alpha1.org/healthy-lifestyle-choices/

6 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

November is Alpha 1 Awareness Month. The Alpha 1 Foundation is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Below is some basic information on Alpha 1: https://alpha1.org/what-is-alpha1/

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! This is the time of the year when it is important to review some basic infection control measures. Many of us have compromised immune systems, some know of their etiology ( cause) , others do not know how or why they get sicker more easily than others. Below are some tips from the Mayo Clinic to prepare you for the upcoming months: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/pneumococcal-pneumonia/tips-for-immunocompromised-people-healthy-habits-vaccines-and-more/?utm_source=bing_search&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mc_cs_ag_1229255071910708&utm_content=mc_cs_cid_76828576858826

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Did you attend the BNTM Coffee Break yesterday?
Do you have any questions regarding the presentation on nutrition ?
In case you missed our BNTM Coffee Break yesterday, below is a link on Nutrition and Immunity, presented by Michelle MacDonal, RD: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wFdLASqg8T4&list=PL8Zo-1VDhSPN76umWbkm003ge1_T1tMZ5&index=5&pp=iAQB

1 week ago

marsrocket

marsrocketHappy World Kindness Day.
"Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.โ€ Henry James

1 week ago

Vic

Vic voted on Helpful Nutritional Information Related to NTM/Bronchiectasis Patients

Gave a thumbs up for a blog post!

1 week ago

Suepink1

Suepink1

I feel quite emotional after listening to Michelle MacDonald.  Thank you so much Michelle, and thank you BE & NTM Assoc for facilitating this  

1 week ago

ChristinaH

ChristinaHanswered the question Anyone with Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency and bronchiectasis

Hi Cjack. Dr Sandhaus attended one of the monthly Coffee Breaks and spoke specifically about the overlap of Alpha 1 and bronchiectasis. Check out the recording linked below. https://youtu.be/CV97cMqXTeA
IndywomanAlyssa DittnerCjackand 1 other also answered the question Indywomanand 3 others also answered the question

1 week ago

ChristinaH

ChristinaHThe Northern Lights were on display in Virginia last night. Did anyone else catch a glimpse of this beautiful show in the country?

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Today is World Pneumonia Day! Please take precautions to lessen the chance of getting pneumonia. The info graphic below offers some great tips: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/DownloadsLibrary/Files/StayingHealthyPneumonia.pdf

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

1 week ago

Debi Up North

Debi Up Northvoted on Tips for the Holidays for individuals with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease

Gave a thumbs up for a blog post!

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123To all who have served our country!
We greatly appreciate all you have done for our country.  We hope that you enjoy this special day. 

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Will you be able to join us tomorrow for our monthly BNTM coffee break? Below is a video on Probiotics, presented by Michelle MacDonald, who will be presenting at our coffee break. There is mixed information on taking certain probiotics within the medical community.,Watching the video may spark some solid questions for the presenter tomorrow. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wFdLASqg8T4

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Exciting news! Do you want to see the list of the 25 new centers that have joined our BNTM Care Center Network? We are working on bringing quality BNTM Care closer to your home. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Press-Releases/Article/208/Twenty-five-centers-join-Bronchiectasis-and-NTM-Care-Center-Network

Twenty-five centers join Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network

Network facilitates access to high-quality, specialized patient care for bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease Miami (October 21, 2025) – The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association has accepted eight Care Center and 17 Clinical Associate Center sites in 14 states into the Bronchiectasis and NTM …

1 week ago

  • Alyssa DittnerWOOOHOO! That's fantasticโ€”25 new centers! This achievement is a huge step forward. Awareness, best practices, continuity of care, research, connection, and providing answers all come from strong Care Center Networks. Excited to see the incredible impact this will have!1 week ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Has your Pseudomonas infection cleared and then reoccurred?

Pam, Hello! Below is a medical article on a drug in the pipeline for Pseudomonas: https://medicaldialogues.in/pulmonology/news/colistimethate-sodium-effective-against-bronchiectasis-and-p-aeruginosa-infection-study-143449

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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