Exciting news. Weโ€™re rolling out a new website and BronchandNTM360social experience! ๐ŸŽ‰

Weโ€™re doing a bit of behindโ€‘theโ€‘scenes work right now, so contributing to the Activity Feed is temporarily unavailable.

Thanks for your patience and weโ€™ll be back shortly!

BronchandNTM360social welcomes new member Julian B who joins 5,225 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon ๐ŸŒท Happy Motherโ€™s Day to all the moms, bonus moms, caregivers, daughters, grandmas, chosen family members, and the people who step in with love exactly when itโ€™s needed most. ๐Ÿ’™

In the Bronchiectasis and NTM community, caring for someone can mean a lot of thingsโ€ฆ helping with treatments, keeping track of medications, cheering someone on through a tough flare, or becoming an expert at hearing โ€œthe nebulizer is done!โ€ from the other room. ๐Ÿ˜„

Some of the strongest people we know are the ones quietly showing up every single day with patience, encouragement, and a comforting voice during the hard moments.

This weekend we celebrate every person who nurtures, supports, advocates, listens, and helps carry the weight when breathing feels heavy.

And for anyone missing their mom, remembering someone special, or carrying mixed emotions today, weโ€™re thinking of you too. ๐ŸŒธ

Happy Motherโ€™s Day from all of us at BronchandNTM360social
โ€” and may your weekend include laughter, restful moments, supportive company, and at least one treatment session that cooperates without beeping halfway through. ๐Ÿ˜„

5 hours ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Happy Motherโ€™s Day weekend to all mothers who are currently dealing with Bronchiectasis/ NTM. This journey can be challenging- we are here to support you on each step of the way. May your child/ children continue to inspire you to stay with your treatment plan so you can live the best quality of life possible. Enjoy this special weekend. ๐Ÿ’

3 hours ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! As Motherโ€™s Day is approaching, I thought I would share an article with you about raising a child when you have Bronchiectasis/ NTM https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/192/Raising-a-Child-When-You-Are-Dealing-with-Bronchiectasis-andor-NTM-Lung-disease
Please let me know if you have any questions. Katie 

Raising a Child When You Are Dealing with Bronchiectasis and/or NTM Lung disease

This blog post was authored by Katie Keating, RN, MS, and reviewed by the Bronchiectasis and NTM Content Review and Evaluation Committee Energy levels can be unpredictable when you are dealing with a chronic lung disease such as bronchiectasis and/or NTM lung disease. Taking many antibiotics …

6 hours ago

Helene Sylvetsky

Helene Sylvetsky

๐Ÿ˜•

23 hours ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

How Communities Can Help Womenโ€™s Mental Health: 
It is not just up to women to take care of their own mental health; itโ€™s up to the whole community. Social groups may help by the following tips: helping people learn how to deal with stress.Making safe places for people to vent about their challenges.Encouraging people to get frequent checkups that look at their mental health .
Getting Rid Of The Stigma Around Womenโ€™s Mental Health- Stigma is one of the main problems women have to deal with. A lot of women donโ€™t ask for help because theyโ€™re afraid of being judged or called โ€œweak.โ€ Womenโ€™s Mental Health Month asks us to break down these walls by making therapy, counseling, and talking about mental health more common.Talking about mental health publicly helps women understand that they are not alone and that help is accessible.Take control of your mental health right now. Together, we can achieve a healthy future for women everywhere. Awareness months raise awareness, but true change happens when mental health is a focus year-round.A womanโ€™s mental health treatment should be equivalent to her physical health care. By increasing awareness, promoting early intervention, and providing support to women throughout their lives, we can establish a more supportive and healthier future.

1 day ago

Aiden Walker

Aiden Walkervoted on What Is the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network?

Gave a thumbs up for a blog post!

1 day ago

Kalli Mago (Communications Coordinator)

Kalli Mago (Communications Coordinator)Itโ€™s National Nurses Week! Today we salute nursing professionals around the world, whose care, compassion, and commitment make a difference in people's lives every single day. 

Join us in thanking the nursing community for all that they doโ€”offering comfort in the hardest moments, advocating for their patientsโ€™ needs, administering life-saving care, and so much more. We are so thankful for these health care heroes! 

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Today is World Asthma Day. Many respiratory symptoms overlap with Bronchiectasis. Below is information on the different types of asthma: https://asthma.net/basics/classifications

2 days ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŒฎ Cinco de Mayo Vibes on Bronchiectasis & NTM 360Social! ๐ŸŒฎ๐ŸŽ‰

Todayโ€™s a great excuse to add a little color, a little rhythm, and a little joy to the dayโ€”whatever that looks like for you. ๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿ•บ

Maybe itโ€™s a favorite meal, some music you love, a cozy moment with a pet, or just a chance to pause and enjoy where you are right now. Every version of โ€œcelebratingโ€ counts. ๐Ÿ’›

๐Ÿ’ฌ Letโ€™s make it fun:
Whatโ€™s adding a little flavor to your day today?

Whether itโ€™s something festive or something simple, weโ€™d love to hear. And if today is more โ€œrest and rechargeโ€ than โ€œfiesta,โ€ thatโ€™s just as worth celebrating. ๐ŸŽˆ

3 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

3 days ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

๐Ÿš€โœจ May the 4th Be With Youโ€ฆ and may your lungs find a little extra ease today. ๐Ÿ’™

Happy Star Wars Day, Bronchiectasis & NTM community!

Some days feel like a calm cruise through the galaxyโ€ฆ and others feel more like youโ€™re dodging asteroids just to get through the day. If todayโ€™s one of those tougher ones, just knowโ€”taking it slow, listening to your body, and getting through it your way is more than enough.

Letโ€™s have a little fun with itโ€ฆ

๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ Jedi-Level Breathing & Airway Clearance: Whether itโ€™s your routine, your vest, or your go-to techniqueโ€”finding that steady rhythm can feel a lot like tapping into the Force. One step, one breath at a time.
๐Ÿšถโ€โ™‚๏ธ No Hyperspace Required: Energy can come and goโ€”so whether today is a โ€œdo a littleโ€ or a โ€œrest and rechargeโ€ kind of day, both count.
๐Ÿงฐ Your Tools = Your Lightsaber: Nebulizers, inhalers, airway clearance devicesโ€”these are part of your toolkit to keep things moving and help you feel your best.
๐Ÿง  Trust Your Bodyโ€™s Signals: You know your baseline. If something feels off, itโ€™s okay to pause, adjust, or reach out to your care team.

And letโ€™s be real for a secondโ€ฆ
Even Darth Vader needed a pretty advanced setup to help him breathe ๐Ÿ˜„

๐Ÿ’ฌ Now for the fun part:
If you had a Star Wars sidekick for your lung health journey, who would you pick?

๐Ÿง™โ€โ™‚๏ธ Yoda for calm, steady guidance?
๐Ÿค– R2-D2 to keep everything running smoothly?
๐Ÿพ Chewbacca for strength on the tough days?
๐Ÿ‘‘ Leia for resilience and leadership?

Or someone else entirely?

Drop it belowโ€”weโ€™d love to hear!

However today looks for you, weโ€™re glad youโ€™re here. Take it at your pace, find your moments, and keep doing what works for you.

๐ŸŒŸ The Force is strong with you!

3 days 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:
โœจMonitor 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.
โœจWhen the air quality is bad, try to stay indoors. Save outdoor activities for good air quality days.
โœจIf 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.
โœจOutdoor 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!

4 days 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 Womenโ€™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 womenโ€™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. Womenโ€™s Mental
Health Month gives people a chance to talk about these issues, fight stigma,
and make it easier to access mental health care.



4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! May is Mental Health Awareness Month.Living with bronchiectasis and NTM can ask a lot of you โ€” 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. 

5 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, Womenโ€™s Health including womenโ€™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. 

1 week ago

Jsn

Jsn

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

1 week ago

Jsn

Jsn

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

1 week ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon Hello everyone!โ€ฏ

Our next BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break is Thursday, May 07, 2026 @ 2:30pm EST. We moved the May Coffee Break up a week so it wouldnโ€™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#/registrationโ€ฏ

Lookingโ€ฏforward to seeing you soon!

1 week 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 …

1 week 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. 

1 week 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 …

1 week 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, …

1 week 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, …

1 week ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

๐ŸŽค Honesty Dayโ€ฆ and a little real talk for our BNTM community

With bronchiectasis or NTM, things donโ€™t always show up the same way every day. Some days feel manageableโ€ฆ and others can sneak up on you.

And if weโ€™re being honest?

Sometimes itโ€™s easier to say โ€œIโ€™m fineโ€ than to explain everything thatโ€™s really going on.

But todayโ€™s a good day to try something different.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Being honest with your care team
โžก โ€œMy cough has been more frequent.โ€
โžก โ€œIโ€™m more fatigued than usual.โ€
โžก โ€œThis flare feels different than the last one.โ€

๐Ÿ’ฌ Being honest with your routine
โžก โ€œIโ€™ve been skipping airway clearanceโ€”I need to get back on track.โ€
โžก โ€œIโ€™m feeling overwhelmed with treatments today.โ€

๐Ÿ’ฌ Being honest with the people around you
โžก โ€œI need to slow things down today.โ€
โžก โ€œI want to be there, but I may need to step away and rest.โ€

๐Ÿ’ฌ And maybe the toughest oneโ€ฆ being honest with yourself
โžก โ€œThis is a hard day.โ€
โžก โ€œIโ€™m doing the best I canโ€”and that counts.โ€

Honesty doesnโ€™t mean youโ€™re falling behindโ€”it means youโ€™re paying attention. And with BNTM, that awareness can make a real difference in how you manage symptoms and care for yourself.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Letโ€™s hear from you:
Whatโ€™s something youโ€™ve learned to be more honest about on your journey with bronchiectasis or NTM?

1 week 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. 1 week 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.1 week 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.1 week 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 oneโ€™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

1 week ago

Alyssa Dittner

Alyssa Dittneranswered the question โ€‹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

1 week 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.

1 week 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

1 week 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:
๐Ÿ’จAirborne irritants such as dust, fumes, mold, or chemicals that can irritate your airway and cause lung damage over time.
๐Ÿฆ  Bacteria and viruses that can cause respiratory infections.
โ„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:
โœจWear protective gear as appropriate.
โœจGet vaccinated to reduce the risk of illness.
โœจAsk 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!

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

ER or Urgent Care with Bronchiectasis & NTMโ€”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:โ€ข Exposure to infections โ€“
These settings often include people with respiratory illnesses, increasing the
risk of flare-ups or secondary infections.โ€ข Limited familiarity with BNTM โ€“ Not
all providers specialize in bronchiectasis or NTM. Baseline symptoms (like
chronic cough) may be misunderstood, and exacerbations can be missed.โ€ข
Antibiotic use โ€“ โ€œJust in caseโ€ antibiotics may not always be the best fit.
They can disrupt your microbiome, promote resistance, and impact future treatment
options.โ€ข Lack of continuity โ€“ ER care is often one-time. Your history,
cultures, and past responses may not be fully considered.โ€ข Environment matters
โ€“ Dry air, long waits, and stress can worsen symptoms.

When to go (donโ€™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/havenโ€™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 differenceโ€”helping you stay a step ahead instead of reacting to a flare.๐Ÿ’ฌ
What has helped you feel more prepared during an ER or urgent care visit?

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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