BronchandNTM360social welcomes new member Mic who joins 5,182 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

KortneyMcCaffrey

KortneyMcCaffreyReal people. Real stories. A cause that matters ๐Ÿ’™

The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association's Airways & Fairways Charity Golf Tournament will take place in Orlando, FL on May 15, 2026. At the tournament, we will feature a special Honor Wall that highlights the names and stories that inspire our mission.


Each name represents someone whose life has been impacted by bronchiectasis or NTM lung disease.


We invite you to honor someone meaningful in your life. You can share your own name or recognize a family member, caregiver, healthcare provider, or anyone who has been touched by respiratory disease.


To add your tribute, please visit: https://copdf.co/supportgolf
Then follow these steps:
โ€ข Select $10
โ€ข Check the box for Honor Wall Tribute
โ€ข Choose In honor of under Type of dedication
โ€ข Enter the individualโ€™s name in the Honoree Name field
โ€ข Enter your contact information
โ€ข Click Give Securely


If you need any help, feel free to reach out to giving@bronchandntm.org.


Adding a name to the Honor Wall is a simple way to make a meaningful impact and support a future with earlier diagnosis, better care, and more hope for those affected.


For more information about the tournament, visit: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Get-Involved/Events/Airways-Fairways-Charity-Golf-Tournament

1 day ago

  • NewestOldest
  • Ksmiles123I am so happy to read about this upcoming fundraising event.  These events are not only a fundraiser, but they will also increase public awareness of BNTM throughout the country.  I dreamt about events such as this taking place years ago, when nothing was happening in the BNTM space.  We have come a long way over the past decade.  Any contribution to the honor wall adds up to makes a difference for our BNTM community.1 day ago
  • Alyssa DittnerThis is such a fun way to contribute to the cause and represent those affected. I have the pleasure of attending the event and cannot wait to see the names on display.12 hours ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Sleep is not a luxury for those living with BNTMโ€”itโ€™s part
of the treatment plan. ๐Ÿ’™ Sleep is your bodyโ€™s
built-in repair system. When sleep improves, everything else becomes a little
more manageable. When you sleep, your body does its deepest healing:

โœจSupports and strengthens your
immune system to better fight infection

โœจBrain reset& clarity -Your brain
clears out waste, strengthens memory, improves focus, and emotional balance.
Sleep improves energy, mood, and resilience

โœจAids in tissue repair and
recovery. Poor sleep can result in more
fatigue and slower healing.

๐ŸŒ™ Aim for a consistent bedtime,๐ŸŒ™
elevate your head if you have acid reflux and or breathing is an issue, and๐ŸŒ™
create a calm, low-stimulation wind-down routine. Sleep isnโ€™t just โ€œrestโ€โ€”itโ€™s an active,
essential repair and regulation process that affects almost every system in
your body.

Below is an additional list of what is really happening
while you sleep: Physical repair & healing: Tissue repair,
muscle recovery, and lung inflammation are reduced. This is especially
important for recovery and resilience in BNTM patients. โš–๏ธ
Hormone balance-Sleep regulates hormones that control stress (cortisol),
appetite (ghrelin/leptin), and blood sugarโ€”impacting weight, mood, and energy.โค
Heart health-Blood pressure lowers, heart rate stabilizes, and lowers strain on
the heart .๐ŸŒฟ Energy restoration-Deep sleep restores your
energy at a cellular levelโ€”this is why poor sleep feels like running on empty.
Think of sleep as your bodyโ€™s nightly โ€œmaintenance systemโ€โ€”cleaning, repairing,
balancing, and preparing you to function the next day. Do you have suggestions
for others to improve their sleep quality?

10 hours ago

JerseyGals

JerseyGals

Hi,
I am newly diagnosed with bronchiectasis and NTM and am about to start treatment. I am very concerned about some of the possible adverse effects from the medications that I have been reading about. 

1 day ago

  • Ksmiles123Hello! Welcome to the community. It is only normal to have concerns about the side effects of medications. Below is information for newly diagnosed patients: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Newly-Diagnosed
    We have assistance available for you in many forms. In addition to the community support you receive here on BronchiectasisandNTM360, you can call one of our Patient Ambassadors directly by phone atโ€ฏ(833) 411-5864. Our Ambassadors are real live patients with experiences similar to yours and understand your concerns. You can alsoโ€ฏemail us at contactus@bronchandntm.orgto get more information aboutโ€ฏany treatment plans. Our Ambassadors canโ€™t provide medical advice but may be able to assist you with additional information.1 day ago
Kalli Mago (Communications Coordinator)

Kalli Mago (Communications Coordinator)Have you ever been told you just have โ€œsevere asthmaโ€ or โ€œCOPD,โ€ only to later discover that bronchiectasis or NTM lung disease had been overlooked? In the latest episode of our podcast, Dr. Ashwin Basavaraj, Associate Director at NYU Langone Health, unpacks how asthma, COPD, and other disorders can overlap with bronchiectasis and why these connections are often missed. Plus, what are some red flags to look out for, and when should you push for additional testing? 
Listen here: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/Educational-Materials-Resources/Podcasts

1 day ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Is a good nightโ€™s sleep a challenge for you?  The combination of good sleep, medications, therapies, and good nutrition will assist you in healing .Below is a blog article on sleep hygiene that offers some tips. Sleeping and Healing for BNTM Patients: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/150/Sleep-and-Healing-for-NTMBronchiectasis-Patients

Sleep and Healing for NTM/Bronchiectasis Patients

This blog post was written by Katie Keating, RN, MS, patient advocate and reviewed by the Bronchiectasis and NTM Initiative Content Review and Evaluation Committee. Sleep impacts every part of our lives and our health. It is essential for immune health and overall psychological and physical …

1 day ago

Pam in Colorado

Pam in Colorado

Katie, and all, this a a question about controlling GERD that some or many of us struggle with. I have ordered Reflux Gourmet, which is yet to arrive so have not tried it.  And then I found this product through research; it is called Slippery Elm powder and is available to order or can be found in the Denver area at Natural Grocers in a 1 oz packet or a 4 oz bottle.
Has anyone tried this Slippery Elm Bark?  It acts a bit differently from Reflux Gourmet, yet is somewhat similar and is also a natural product.
After taking famotadine daily for almost a year, first at 20mg once in the morning, then thankfully found 10mg famotidine, I stopped taking it a few days ago. The famotadine was prescribed by the 
GI specialist at NJH. 
I am set now to simply keep my stomach in good shape by not filling it too full. 
If you have experience with Slippery Elm, please let me know.

1 day ago

  • NewestOldest
  • Ksmiles123Pam,Slippery Elm tea is another option. All supplements such as herbal teas can help some individuals, and not help other individuals. Some teas seem to work magically for some individuals but make other individuals feel blah.  No harm if you try it and see how you feel. Reactions to supplements are all individualized; there is not enough evidence based research on most supplements or teas. We are not allowed to endorse any particular supplements, or brands. Please discuss any supplements you add with your GI doctor. Do you have a registered dietitian under your health insurance plan? 1 day ago
  • Pam in ColoradoThank you, Katy, for your response. I really like the presentations given at our Coffee Breaks by the dietitian from NJH. Her talks have helped me in this strange journey with GERD.1 day ago
  • Ksmiles123Pam,
    You are most welcome! We desire for you to have the best quality of life possible. 1 day ago
Janis Harmon

Janis Harmon

I am down for the count. I was good for three weeks no infection. Two days ago I got another infection. Waiting to see the doctor on Tuesday.

1 day ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! A review of Stress Basics 101- Stress is the reaction of the brain and body to situations that put us in harm's way. The stressor may be a physical threat or a psychological threat. The stress response is our body's attempt to keep us safe from harm. When we are under stress, the chemistry (chemicals) in our brain changes. Changes in the chemicals in our brains affect our thinking patterns.The "fight or flight" response means that we have two basic ways of protecting ourselves when faced with a threat. We can run (flee) or try to overcome the threat ( fight). Good stress is when we can take on the problem at hand and return to the feeling of safety afterwards. Bad stress occurs when we have no or little control over the results. Body and brain chemistry become overreactive and get out of balance- this is known as the "freeze response". Learning how to deal with stressors in your daily life will reduce the chance of being in "freeze mode". Staying in the "freeze mode" impacts your physical and immune health. We are here to support you in learning new ways to deal with ongoing stressors. Please let us know if you have any questions. 
 Below is a short YouTube video on the fight, flight, or freeze response.

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question sudden onset of symptoms

Please up date us after you see your Pulmonologist. Adults with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases are at higher risk of getting haemolophus. I have observed that many urgent care centers write prescriptions so readily without knowing the …

2 days ago

Kath

Kathasked the question: sudden onset of symptoms

I am a newly diagnosed case of bronchiectasis. So far, no NTM present. Yesterday, all of a sudden, I had severe chills, body aches, fatigue, and fever. As the afternoon progressed, my chest and entire abdomen started to hurt, and it was somewhat painful …

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Were you able to watch the landing of Artemis 11 last evening? It was amazing to watch history in the making. We must believe that anything is possible in time.; more companies have shown interest in the field of BNTM over the past decade than ever before. BNTM Care Centers are opening up throughout the country, a greater number of medications and treatments are in the pipeline. Hold on to HOPE for better days ahead! https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c3dlnzv5r71t

Artemis II crew 'happy and healthy' after completing historic mission to the Moon

Nasa hails a "textbook" splashdown in the Pacific Ocean after the four astronauts travelled further from Earth than any humans before.

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! A coping skills toolbox is a collection of strategies designed to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. These toolboxes can include various techniques and activities tailored to different situations and personal preferences.Components of a Coping Skills Toolbox may include - Coping Strategies: Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or journaling that help regulate emotions.Creative Activities: Engaging in art, music, or writing to express feelings and distract from stress.Physical Activities: Exercise or movement-based strategies such as walking that promote physical well-being and reduce anxiety.Social Connections: Encouraging interaction with friends or family to foster support and connection.ideas for building a personal coping skills toolbox. Identifying personal triggers, and having your toolbox ready will improve your daily life. A few items in my toolbox include listening to upbeat music, journaling, walking, trashing negative thoughts, not overbooking due to uncertainty of stamina , keeping things in perspective and celebrating little wins. Emotional health toolboxes  can help individuals create a personalized approach to be prepared in managing their emotional health more effectively. Do you have a coping skills toolbox idea to share with the community? 

4 days ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

Sometimes depression doesnโ€™t look like what we expect.

Itโ€™s not always tears.
Itโ€™s not always obvious.

Sometimes itโ€™s just feelingโ€ฆ off.
Like youโ€™re there, but not really there.
Like everything takes more effort than it should.
Like youโ€™re tired in a way that rest doesnโ€™t fix.

And when youโ€™re living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, or caring for someone who is โ€” that weight can quietly build over time.

The physical side is already a lot.
The mental side can be just as heavy.

It might look like:
โ€ข Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
โ€ข Pulling back from people or conversations
โ€ข Feeling overwhelmed by small things
โ€ข Changes in sleep or appetite
โ€ข Low energy, low motivation, or trouble focusing
โ€ข Being harder on yourself than youโ€™d ever be on anyone else

And sometimesโ€ฆ you canโ€™t quite explain it at all.

If this sounds familiar, please donโ€™t brush it off.

Donโ€™t ignore how youโ€™re feeling. It matters.

You donโ€™t have to โ€œpush throughโ€ everything on your own.
You donโ€™t have to wait until it gets worse to say something.

We are a community here โ€” and you matter here.

On the hard days, even something small can help:
a message, a check-in, a few minutes outside, a familiar song, a quiet moment to breathe.

And if all you can do today is get through the day โ€” that counts.

You are not a burden.
You are not alone.
And you donโ€™t have to carry this quietly.

If you feel up to it, whatโ€™s something that helps you when the days feel heavier? ๐Ÿ’™

5 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments5 comment(s)
  • das23If anyone is not feeling well emotionally----Reach out--There IS helpโœŒ5 days ago
  • Pam in ColoradoI remember something my cousin said. He struggled with depression for many years. When I fell down the rabbit hole after first losing my dad, then my mom, then caring for my debilitated sister, something triggered the full-on depression. And then my cousin said, "It always gets better."
    Perhaps it's like grief, you just have to work your way through it, one day at a time.
    Then I discovered that there is a way to train your brain to think in only positive terms, to find the joy in all of life, and this is after that deep state of depression when the sunlight offends, when you feel it is better just not to be "here" because you are in pain, when you have no energy, when you cannot give because you are in that state of what I felt like was selfishness, with no hope. But it does always get better.


    1 day ago
  • Ksmiles123Pam, 
    Thank you for sharing your experience. I am sorry for your losses and challenges.
    Many of us have been through some extremely challenging times, never thinking that we would be able to get to the other side. Pain, grief, multiple losses whether it be a person, a lifestyle change, loss of your former health status, a career combined can lead to depression. We must believe that these feelings can lighten up over time when one gets support from a sibling, a friend, a support group or elsewhere. Support, encouragement and a sense of belonging goes a long way. We must always hold onto hope, believing that there will be better days ahead. 1 day ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Living with BNTM can bring moments of stressโ€”but small,
intentional steps can make a big difference. ๐Ÿ’™

A few of the many things that can cause stress may include- things
not going your way, things not going the way they โ€œshouldโ€, misperceptions,
frustrations with your healthcare professionalsโ€™ office/ managing your own healthcare,
taking things personally, and so much more. A few tips on managing these
stressors include the following:

โœจBreathe deeply: Even 3โ€“5 slow breaths
can calm your nervous system

โœจCreate a daily โ€œquiet pocketโ€: A
few minutes of stillness, or mindfulness

โœจGentle movement: Stretching or a
short walk can ease both body and mind

โœจStay connected: Youโ€™re not aloneโ€”reach
out to someone who understands

โœจCelebrate small wins: Every airway
clearance, every push to the next appointment, and each step forward in the
right direction matters. Stress doesnโ€™t define your journeyโ€”your resilience does.
One calm moment at a time. Would you like to share some of your stress management
tips with our BNTM community?

5 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Do you have a used vehicle that you no longer need? Your vehicle can help support something meaningful.

Donate your car, truck, or SUV to the COPD Foundation and help accelerate our work to create a better future for those living with chronic lung disease.

Free pick-up. Easy process.

๐Ÿš— Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gfKUcXcZ

6 days ago

Dixiedeb

Dixiedeb

Having a flare up

6 days ago

Lucinda

LucindaTogether we could create a brighter future for people living with bronchiectasis. Weโ€™re looking for adults to join The AIRTIVITYยฎ Study to see if an investigational medicine โ€“ designed to target the harmful inflammation that contributes to bronchiectasis โ€“ can help improve the lives of people living with the condition.

Join the movement โ€“ to find out how to take part, please contact the study team, visit theairtivitystudy.com

http://airtivity.researchstudytrial.com/?utm_source=patient_advocacy_group&utm_medium=Bronch_NTM_newsletter&utm_campaign=patient_recruitment&r=16

1 week ago

ChristinaH

ChristinaHvoted on What Is the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network?

Gave a thumbs up for a blog post!

1 week ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

๐ŸŒฟ โ€œThe Little Things That Helpโ€ Check-In (Bronchiectasis & NTM Edition)

With bronchiectasis or NTM, so much of the day can revolve around routinesโ€ฆ treatmentsโ€ฆ pacing yourselfโ€ฆ and figuring out what helps you feel just a little bit better.

And often, itโ€™s the small things that make the biggest difference.

Maybe itโ€™s:

A tip that helps with airway clearance
A way you time your treatments that works better for you
Something that helps when the cough or fatigue is heavier
A comfort, routine, or โ€œgo-toโ€ that helps you reset

๐Ÿ’ฌ Whatโ€™s one small thing that helps you get through the day?

If youโ€™re a caregiver or supporting someone, weโ€™d love to hear from you tooโ€”what have you found helps?

Sometimes the smallest ideas turn into the biggest support for someone else reading along.

โœจ Gentle reminder: If youโ€™re noticing changesโ€”more cough, fatigue, or anything that feels different than your usualโ€”itโ€™s always a good idea to check in with your care team and lean on your action plan if you have one.

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Stress is common amongst everyone throughout their lives, but it is compounded by having a chronic condition. Below is a blog article, written by Jane Martin, BA, LRT, CRT, offering some advice on managing stress in our daily lives: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/92/Managing-Stress-with-Bronchiectasis-and-NTM

Managing Stress with Bronchiectasis and NTM

This blog post was written by Jane Martin, BA, LRT, CRT If you have Bronchiectasis/NTM, you well know that the effects of this disease can result in major changes to your lifestyle and activities. And these changes, and challenges, are bound to cause stress. Looking at common causes of stress …

1 week ago

Priss

Priss

๐Ÿ˜„

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! How are you dealing with the stress of having a medical condition? BNTM are mostly invisible disorders that are misunderstood by others. Below is an article on Stress Management Tips , from the Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/6392-stress-coping-with-lifes-stressors
Let me know if any of their tips hit home with you or if you have any questions. 

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Happy Easter to all who celebrate this holiday! ๐Ÿ‡๐Ÿฐ๐Ÿฃ Tis a season of a new beginning, a season of hope. I hope you enjoy this special day whether you are with family, friends or on your own. 

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Happy Passover to everyone who celebrates this holiday. Enjoy your celebrations. 

1 week ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

๐ŸŒท A Little Spring, A Little Reflection ๐ŸŒท

As Easter weekend arrives, this time of year has a way of bringing back memoriesโ€”moments spent with family, traditions that made us smile, and the connections that have stayed with us over the years.

Even if things look a little different now, those memories still carry something specialโ€ฆ a sense of hope, of fresh starts, and of finding light in the little things.

And just like that, we begin to see it around us again.
Even if winter is still holding on in some places, there are signsโ€ฆ a few blooms pushing through, longer days, a bit more light finding its way in.

Itโ€™s a gentle reminder that change doesnโ€™t always come all at onceโ€”but it does come.

For many of us, this weekend is also about those simple momentsโ€”time with family, a call to someone weโ€™ve been thinking about, or just sitting quietly and taking in a bit of fresh air.

Maybe today is a good day to:
๐ŸŒผ Step outside and soak in a little spring
๐Ÿ“ž Reach out to someone whoโ€™s been on your mind
๐Ÿพ Or just enjoy a small moment that makes you smile

Wherever you are, and whatever this weekend looks like for you, we hope you can find a little bit of that โ€œfresh startโ€ feeling in your own way.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Whatโ€™s somethingโ€”past or presentโ€”that brings you a sense of hope this time of year?

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Living with Bronchiectasis NTM can bring daily stressโ€”but small moments of spiritual connection can make a meaningful difference. Spirituality can be a powerful tool in the toolbox for lowering stress. Spirituality can improve how individuals cope both emotionally and physically. โ€ข A quiet prayer or moment of reflection can calm your breathing
โ€ข Trusting in something greater can ease fear and uncertainty
โ€ข Slowing down your breath helps your body shift into healing mode
โ€ข You are not aloneโ€”connection within a community brings strength.

1 week ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon Hello everyone!โ€ฏ

Our next BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break is Wednesday, April 8, 2026 @ 2:30pm EDT.

Joining us this month is Dr. Christopher Richards, MD. to discuss the relationship between Cystic Fibrosis and non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis. There have been many developments in both areas recently, and these developments may affect how we are treated in the future. Dr. Richards is an Instructor in Medicine at MGH-BIDMC Harvard Pulmonary & Critical Care Fellowship Program.

Dr. Richards has a large and active sub-specialty practice in the management of adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF), non-CF bronchiectasis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary infections. He is a fellow of the CF Foundation (CFF) and a member of the Program for Adult Care Excellence at the CFF. He is a site Principal Investigator on several multi-center industry sponsored clinical trials in CFTR modulator therapy as well as studies from the CFF on outcomes in CF. Dr. Richards has written reviews and case studies in the management of NTM infections in CF and is a local expert in this area.

https://www.pulmonaryfellowship.hms.harvard.edu/christopher-j-richards-md 

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#/registration

Lookingโ€ฏforward to seeing you soon!

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Information on Artemis 11 in the link below. It is so inspirational to witness what some people thought was impossible to be possible. Wishing the astronauts a great, safe and successful trip. https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/nasa-artemis-ii-launch/

Watch Live: Artemis II launches, beginning NASA's historic moon mission

NASA's Artemis II astronauts launched on a nine-day mission around the moon and back.

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Sodium Chloride 7% coverage?

Research is currently being conducted on the benefits of normal saline in BNTM patients. We will keep you updated.
windy1977 also answered the question windy1977 also answered the question

1 week ago

JD

JDvoted on What Is the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network?

Gave a thumbs up for a blog post!

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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