BronchandNTM360social welcomes new member Rhonda1223 who joins 5,125 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

๐ŸŒธ March is Womenโ€™s History Month ๐ŸŒธ

This month we celebrate the incredible women who have shaped our world--through science, caregiving, advocacy, and everyday resilience. Their strength has opened doors, advanced medicine, and inspired generations.

In the lung health community, women play a powerful role. Many are patients navigating COPD, bronchiectasis, and other lung conditions with determination and courage. Many are caregivers supporting loved ones through difficult days. Others are researchers, respiratory therapists, nurses, doctors, and advocates working to improve treatments and quality of life.

Women have helped move lung health forward in meaningful ways--raising awareness, supporting research, and building communities where no one has to face a diagnosis alone.

๐Ÿ’™ This month, weโ€™d love to hear from you:

โ€ข Is there a woman who has inspired you on your health journey?
โ€ข Maybe a caregiver, doctor, friend, family member, or fellow community member?
โ€ข Or perhaps youโ€™re celebrating your own strength in living with lung disease.

Take a moment to recognize the women who make a difference every day. Their stories matter, and sharing them can inspire someone else who may need a little encouragement today.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Feel free to drop a comment and celebrate the amazing women in your life!

11 hours ago

  • NewestOldest
  • 360Coach Brandon As part of Womenโ€™s History Month, Iโ€™d like to recognize Katie Keating, RN, for the incredible support she has given to the Bronchiectasis and NTM community over the years.

    Katie is not only a nurse, but also a patient, and she has spent many years helping others navigate their own journeys. Through support groups, emails, online conversations, and especially our Bronch & NTM Coffee Breaks, Katie has shared her knowledge, compassion, and lived experience in ways that have helped countless people feel less alone.

    Her ability to speak from both her professional background as a nurse and her personal experience as a patient has made her an incredible source of understanding and encouragement for so many in our community.

    Thank you, Katie, for the time, care, and heart you have given to helping others. Your dedication truly makes a difference. ๐Ÿ’™
    11 hours ago
  • Ksmiles123Brandon,
    Thank you so much for your very kind words and support throughout the years. I am passionate to assist others since I have walked the walk for many years. I greatly desire to assist individuals to live their best quality of life possible, despite their diagnosis. ๐Ÿ˜10 hours ago
  • das23I'll echo Brandon---Thank you Katie...You have been a big help to me and everyone here. You are the Bus Driver here----Please keep driving!!!!๐Ÿ˜€โœŒ๐Ÿ‘38 minutes ago
360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon Hello everyone!โ€ฏ

Our next BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break is Wednesday, March 11, 2026 @ 2:30pm EST.

This month weโ€™ll be joined by Divya Reddy MBBS, MPH to discuss exacerbations and the role DPP1 inhibitors (such as Brinsupri) have in minimizing exacerbations. Dr. Reddy is the Associate Professor of Medicine / Fellowship Director, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Director, Bronchiectasis and Nontuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) Disease Program at Montefiore Einstein.

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

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#/registrationโ€ฏ

Lookingโ€ฏforward to seeing you soon!

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 …

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Feeling overwhelmed with new diagnosis

Lyn, Hello! Yes, it can be overwhelming dealing with this new diagnosis, to say the least. I am glad that you have reviewed materials and have sought out assistance with airway clearance. In addition to the community support you receive here on …

1 hour ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Brinsupri Results

Carol, Hello! Welcome to the community.It takes six weeks or longer for most people to experience results. I have not taken it. I am glad you are not facing any side effects at this point in time. It is good to be mindful of potential side effects- and …
Countryviolet also answered the question Countryviolet also answered the question

1 hour ago

Lyn175

Lyn175asked the question: Feeling overwhelmed with new diagnosis

I have recently been diagnosed with mild bronchiectasis. I am reading what i can online about it, but there is just so much to take in.. When i'm well i don't have much of a cough, and then when i do cough its very dry, and difficult to bring anything up …

3 hours ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Are you ready to listen to a great podcast on the benefits, Power of Pulmonary Rehab? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ugUGi5cf4ao

4 hours ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Coughing while traveling

Information on exacerbations. I hope that you can get in to see your Pulmonologist before June. We are here to assist you on your journey. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Exacerbations

11 hours ago

Kath

Kathasked the question: Coughing while traveling

Hello, I was recently diagnosed with bronchiectasis and potentially NTM (awaiting sputum sample results). We currently have a trip planned for out of the country (Spain and Greece) for mid-May. Right now I am coughing a great deal, despite religiously …

13 hours ago

Kath

Kathasked the question: Not accepted into Bronchiectasis Clinic

Hello, I was recently diagnosed with bronchiectasis and potentially NTM (awaiting sputum sample results). Based on everything I read, I requested a referral to the UNC Bronchiectasis & NTM Clinic, in order to take advantage of the expertise and …

13 hours ago

KateB2025

KateB2025

Ksmiles ... wanted to share that I recently became a support group leader for KS-NE for NTMir. I admire all that you do and share here. You've been helpful especially when I was first diagnosed last June. Thank you! 

22 hours ago

  • Ksmiles123Kate,
    Hello! Thank you for your words- you made my day much brighter. Helping one another helps ourselves as well. I am so glad that you have become a support group leader. Being a part of the NTMir NYC support group was so beneficial for me in my early days of my diagnosis. Please reach out anytime if I can provide you with any specific resources for your support group. Have a great week ahead! Katie ๐Ÿ˜1 hour ago
KateB2025

KateB2025answered the question HRT

when I originally asked my pulmanologist (BE/NTM care center) regarding osteoporosis they deferred to talk with PT for exercises. And when I asked if any issues with BE/NTM they said Dr has several patients who take BHRT with no issues. So 🤷โ€โ™€๏ธ The NP …
Ksmiles123 also answered the question Ksmiles123 also answered the question

23 hours ago

KateB2025

KateB2025

Hello. Trying to see if there is any information or studies on post menopausal women taking BHRT and increased risk of getting an NTM?  Currently have BE only. Started taking BHRT recently due to osteoporosis diagnosis. I haven't found be try much I do or studies - only one Korean study in pubmed 

1 day ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Today is the beginning of Pulmonary Rehab Week. Pulmonary Rehab assists an individual with treatment plans, reviews airway clearance, nutrition, coping skills.
Below is information on the basics of Pulmonary Rehab: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Pulmonary-Rehab
Let us know if you have been through a pulmonary rehab program, and  have a good experience to share with the community . 

1 day ago

Grandma K

Grandma K

I am doing well today.  I am happy to discover this support group!  I was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis just over 2 years ago.  I was relieved to not have NTM, just an easily treatable pneumonia throughout my lungs.  Over the last year I have had Bronchiectasis exacerbations after a routine cold.  Antibiotics sent me back to a minimal sputum baseline.  Now I am using a nebulizer with inhaled saline 1-2 x most days.  I did not see that recommended on this feed and the post about respiratory measures to take to prevent Bronchiectasis exacerbations.  I am wondering why notโ€ฆ   Btw, 1 pulmonologist prescribed the nebulizer/inhaled saline and another said it would not be helpfulโ€ฆ?!

3 days ago

  • NewestOldest
  • das23Welcome Grandma K......Many of us practice Airway Clearance using nebulized saline. Check out the tabs above--LEARN MORE etc. Helpful info there2 days ago
  • Ksmiles123Grandma K,
    Hello! Welcome to the community. Many individuals do use normal saline nebulizers to loosen their mucus. Research is currently being done on this topic; some pulmonologist strongly believe in it and recommend it for their patients. Other doctors are awaiting more results from research. Below is a link on medications used to loosen sputum, and normal saline is listed. Please let us know if you have any other questions. 2 days ago
Suepink1

Suepink1asked the question: HRT

I'm sure I heard on a webinar something about HRT and NTM/BE. Does anyone know of any studies into the effect of HRT on post menopausal women who get NTM? I'm wondering if it might help prevent NTM in the first place, but then once you've got it, or had …

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123asked the question: Hello! Do you use medications while doing your airway clearance?

Mucolytics are medications that thin or break up the sputum in your lungs, making it easier to cough up and out. These medications assist one to clear out the mucus as much as possible. Below is a link to the different medications. Please let us know if …

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Living with Bronchiectasis or NTM can sometimes
make it feel like your lungs are in charge- every time you do your airway
clearance, you take that control back. Airway clearance isnโ€™t just a treatment
โ€” it is an act of self-care and strength. Each session helps clear mucus and
reduces the risk of infection.

Some days itโ€™s easy. Some days it takes real
determinationโ€”both count. Every session mattersโœจ . Every effort counts. Every day
you show up for your health is a win.

You may not see the results immediately, but over time,
these small, consistent actions make a powerful difference for your lungs and
your quality of lifeโ€”todayโ€™s reminder: You are not powerless in this disease. Your
Airway Clearance Is Your Power ๐Ÿ’™. Your daily self-care
is your strength. ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ’™



4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! There are many different types of airway clearance devices. Which one do you use?It does take some patients time to figure out which device is most suitable and effective for them to use on an ongoing basis. Below is a link that reviews the different types of devices. Keep on doing your airway clearance- better days are on the horizon. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Coping-with-Airway-Mucus/Airway-Cleara

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 …

5 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Update on NAC

Please keep us updated on how you are doing with NAC. It seems to be recommended more in the UK and other countries than the USA.
Indywoman also answered the question Indywoman also answered the question

5 days ago

CodyJames

CodyJames

Hi Iโ€™m new here. I was born with COPD due to complications at birth. Iโ€™m 38 years old. I went 30 years without seeing a pulmonologist but this past Christmas I got pneumonia and it was suggested I go see one. A week ago I had a pulmonary function test and a ct scan that said I had severe bronchiectisis and a FEV1 of 20%. The first time meeting the pulmonologist he told me I would be on a ventilator in 4-5 years and referred me to a lung transplant facility. I was shocked. And now Iโ€™m terrified Iโ€™m gonna die in a couple years

5 days ago

Kalli Mago

Kalli MagoMarch is Sleep Apnea
Awareness Month! Studies suggest that more than 50% of people with
bronchiectasis also have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).1 


Common symptoms of
sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping for air in your sleep, difficulty
staying asleep, waking up with a dry mouth, having headaches in the morning,
and feeling sleepy throughout the day. If you share a bed with someone, they
might also witness sleep apnea symptoms, like breathing that stops and then
restarts as you sleep. 


For people with both
bronchiectasis and sleep apnea, the most common symptoms are snoring and
daytime sleepiness. However, some people with bronchiectasis have OSA without
recognizing any symptoms.1 If your doctor has not already started
the conversation, talk to them at your next appointment about whether you
should be evaluated for sleep apnea. 


Resources 
1. Borekci S, Hacoglu
Y, Musellim B. Investigation of obstructive sleep apnea in adult non-cystic
fibrosis bronchiectasis patients. Eur Resp J. 2019;54(63). doi:10.1183/13993003.congress-2019.PA631

6 days ago

Indywoman

Indywomanasked the question: Update on NAC

Have looked through the questions/answers on NAC. Saw this about 3 months ago. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12603500/ I have asthma/Bronchiectasis. People taking this were in threads a while ago. I don't want to take more supplements than I …

6 days ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

National โ€œI Want You to Be Happyโ€ Day ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ’™

Today is simpleโ€ฆ and powerful.

I want you to be happy.
Not โ€œperfect dayโ€ happy.
Not โ€œeverything is easyโ€ happy.
Just real-life, breathing-through-it, doing-the-best-we-can happy.

Living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM -- or caring for someone who does -- isnโ€™t always light. So today feels like a good day to talk about intentional happiness.

Here are a few gentle ideas for both patients and caregivers:

๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ For patients:

Step outside (even for 2โ€“5 minutes) and take slow, supported breaths. Fresh air + paced breathing can shift your whole mood.

Play a song that lifts you -- even if you just sway in your chair.

Text someone in this community and say, โ€œThinking of you.โ€

Celebrate something small: good sats, finishing airway clearance, making it through a tough morning.

๐Ÿค For caregivers:

Take 10 guilt-free minutes just for you. Sit. Breathe. Quiet.

Accept help if itโ€™s offered -- happiness sometimes looks like sharing the load.

Do one thing thatโ€™s only for your joy today (music, walk, call a friend, favorite snack).

Remember: your well-being matters just as much.

๐Ÿ’™ And for all of usโ€ฆ

Happiness doesnโ€™t have to be big. It can be:

A fluffy pet beside you

A steady breathing day

A laugh during Coffee Break

A message that reminds you youโ€™re not alone

Letโ€™s make this interactive:

โœจ Drop ONE thing that helps you feel a little happier on hard days.
โœจ Or tag someone here and tell them, โ€œI want you to be happy.โ€

You never know whose day you might gently lift.

I want you to be happy. Truly.
And Iโ€™m really grateful we get to do this together!

6 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Are you doing airway clearance on a daily basis? Airway clearance is frequently compared to flossing your teeth. Clearing out your airways lessens the chances of getting a respiratory infection. Bad respiratory infections can lead to cavity formation in your lungs , similar to a cavity in your teeth. Below is the link to manual airway clearance techniques. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Coping-with-Airway-Mucus/Manual-Airway-Clearance-Techniques

Manual Airway Clearance Techniques | Bronchiectasis and NTM Association

Chronic cough is a major symptom of bronchiectasis. This is caused by too much mucus in the lungs and expanded airways that makes it hard to cough out the mucus. Tiny hair-like structures in the lungs, called cilia, move mucus out of the small airways.

1 week ago

Seated

Seated

Better after talk w/John, PtAmbas.

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! The month of March has begun!!! Daylight savings time begins in 7 days. We have endured a very challenging winter with frigid temperatures and a lot of snow. March reminds us that even after the longest winters, healing can quietly begin again. Spring and nicer weather are on its way โ€” and so is renewed energy, and hope.Hereโ€™s to a month filled with resilience .๐Ÿ’™ 
Throughout this month, we will focus on pulmonary rehabilitation, airway clearance devices and health equity. 

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello!  Are you interested in watching a video? The video below on GERD/ Acid Reflux, presented by Dr. Gwen Huitt, ( formerly of National Jewish Health) offers practical tips on managing acid reflux effectively https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lf_hSgJ21BY
Please let us know if you have any questions. :) 

1 week ago

Kalli Mago

Kalli MagoHappy Rare Disease Day! Each year, this day shines a spotlight on rare diseases, helping to raise awareness for the 300 million+ people around the world who live with a rare disease. 

Did you know living with a rare disease isnโ€™t actually that uncommon? According to the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD), one in every 10 Americans is affected by a rare disease. 

In the United States, a rare disease is generally considered one affecting fewer than 200,000 people across the country. By the numbers, NTM is a rare disease, impacting an estimated 86,000-200,000+ Americans. Bronchiectasis is technically not a rare disease; between 340,000 and 522,000 adults are receiving treatment for bronchiectasis in the U.S. However, bronchiectasis is still underrecognized and often misdiagnosed. 

As you may know firsthand, people with rare or uncommon diseases often face additional challenges, from difficulty getting a timely diagnosis to limited research and lack of community support. In honor of Rare Disease Day, we stand together with millions of people around the world. We encourage you to share your story and connect with others who understand what itโ€™s like to live with a rare disease.

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Many BNTM patients donโ€™t understand the need for a
gastroenterologist. We are often
overloaded by the number of specialists that we are advised to see. I am
reviewing basic GI testing so you can be empowered to understand and ask the
right questions when you do see a gastroenterologist.

๐ŸŒก๏ธ Esophageal pH monitoring
measures acid levels in your esophagus. It tells your doctor: How much acid is
refluxing from the stomach into the esophagus. How often reflux happens, and
how long acid stays there.

What does โ€œpHโ€ actually mean? pH is a scale that measures acidity:
7 = neutral, below 7 = acidic. The lower the number, the more acidic your
stomach is; stomach acid is very acidic (around pH 1โ€“3). Your esophagus should
not be exposed to that acid frequently. If testing shows repeated drops in
esophageal pH below 4, it usually indicates significant acid.

๐Ÿ’ก Why This Matters for BNTM-
significant acid can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and the
esophageal clearance, which is how well acid is pushed back down. This can lead
to: chronic reflux, silent reflux, inflammation, difficulty swallowing, and or
chest discomfort.

pH testing helps determine whether acid is truly the
cause of symptoms; it checks whether acid is damaging the esophagus or if
something else is going on. pH testing can be done the traditional way, with a
thin catheter placed in your nose or with a Bravo Capsule (a camera inserted
into your esophagus) during an EGD. Please discuss these options with your
healthcare provider. Understanding what is really going on in your upper
gastrointestinal system will determine what meds are most suitable for you. You
do not want to be on the wrong medications for an extended period of time.

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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