BronchandNTM360social welcomes new member Court who joins 5,088 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Lucinda

Lucindavoted on The Effects of Ultra-processed Foods Causing Hidden Hunger

Gave a thumbs up for a blog post!

1 minute ago

JohnT

JohnTThe University of Texas has a survey open
through this Sunday asking patients to help shed light on the factors
in a person's life that may impact their susceptibility to NTM lung
disease. Though it is a lengthy survey, the knowledge you share as a
patient can help shape research in the future. Please take some time
in the next few days to answer this survey. Click on this
link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NTMsurvey

Uncovering the Risks: Who Gets NTM Lung Disease and Why?

Web survey powered by SurveyMonkey.com. Create your own online survey now with SurveyMonkey's expert certified FREE templates.

20 hours ago

  • Ksmiles123I hope that you can take the time to complete the above survey. The valuable information from the survey will help us in the future. 14 hours ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Inflammatory markers
were discussed at our last BNTM Coffee Break. Below is a review of the two most
commonly used inflammation markers: the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
(ESR) test, which measures the rate at which red blood cells settle at the
bottom of a test tube over a specified period. This rate increases with
inflammation. ESR values typically range from 0-22 mm/hr for men and 0-29 mm/hr
for women. Elevated ESR levels can indicate inflammation due to infections,
autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammatory diseases.

CRP (C-reactive protein) is a
blood test that measures the level of C-reactive protein, which the liver
produces in response to inflammation. Normal CRP levels are generally less than
10 mg/L. High CRP levels indicate inflammation and can be associated with
infections, chronic inflammatory diseases, and other health conditions.
Elevated CRP levels require further diagnostic testing to determine the root
cause. It is a good practice to keep a paper copy of your labs or to view them on your patient portal to see trends over time. Please let us know if you
have any questions.

21 hours ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Happy Chinese New Year to those who celebrate ๐ŸŽ‰ this holiday. 2026 will be the Year of the Horse, specifically the Fire Horse, symbolizing "energy, freedom, and forward momentumโ€. The horse is also synonymous with strength, grace and determination, and this zodiac sign serves as a powerful symbol of perseverance, freedom and momentum for the upcoming lunar cycle.The horse is traditionally regarded as an emblem of confidence and forward motion, suggesting a period defined by significant opportunity and success. I love the idea of โ€œ forward motion โ€œ for all of our members. Today is a new day to march forward for all BNTM members , using preventative measures and self care to work towards the best quality of life for each member.

1 day ago

  • NewestOldest
  • 360Coach Brandon Happy Chinese New Year! ๐Ÿงง๐ŸŽ
    Wishing our Bronch and NTM community a joyful Year of the Horseโ€”full of fresh energy, steady strides, and good vibes along the way. We hope youโ€™re able to enjoy a wonderful celebration filled with laughter, great food, and meaningful moments. ๐ŸŽ‰โœจ

    Hereโ€™s to a bright, healthy year ahead. ๐Ÿ’™22 hours ago
  • Ksmiles123Great food, some laughter and meaningful moments are a part of the healing recipe. Enjoy your day! 21 hours ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Presidents Day, officially Washington s Birthday, is a holiday in the United States celebrated on the third Monday of February to honor all persons who served in the office of president of the United States. The federal holiday specifically honors George Washington, who led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War.

1 day ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Are you able to get some exercise in throughout the winter months? Exercise is good for our hearts, ๐Ÿ’•, lungs and our emotional wellbeing. Five to ten minutes a day, is far better than no exercise. It is recommended to start out slowly and to gradually increase your exercise plans over time. The link below reviews the benefits of exercise. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Exercise
Please share your exercise routine with other BTM members. We are here to encourage one another to improve the quality of our lives.๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜

2 days ago

  • NewestOldest
  • das23I'm in a gym or out hiking almost everyday. In the gym I use the weight machines and treadmills etc. Luckily for me I've always exercised so when I was diagnosed with moderate COPD and later mild Bronchiectasis I just continued. I believe exercise has saved me. If you are new to exercise just start out slow. Do as much as you can--any exercise is good. We need to move if we can. Pulmonary Rehab is a great way to get started. Soooo---get movin' if you can--it Works!!!!!1 day ago
  • Ksmiles123Das23, 
    I wholeheartedly agree with you.
    โ€œ Get movingโ€ are the key ๐Ÿ”‘ words to improving the quality of life for individuals with lung issues. It is fine to take a day off when not feeling up to par, but pushing through on the following day is the best medicine of all. 1 day ago
Helenโ€™sHelper

Helenโ€™sHelper

๐Ÿ™€ Helen just joined up here and I am very excited. I am her caregiver. She is working on learning the harmonica. Itโ€™s hard for her, but itโ€™s great that sheโ€™s doing it.

2 days ago

HelenKingAZ

HelenKingAZ

๐Ÿ˜ Beginning to learn the harmonica in between coughing

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Good nutrition is a part of self care. Taking time to prepare nutritious meals is a gift ๐ŸŽ to yourself that will pay off in the long run. Below is a link that reviews the basics of nutrition: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Nutrition

Nutrition | Bronchiectasis and NTM Association

Good nutrition is an important part of wellness in patients with bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease. People who have bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease may use a lot of energy to breathe.

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Happy Valentineโ€™s Day, Galentineโ€™s Day or whatever you call this day of celebrating our hearts ๐Ÿ’•โ™ฅ. I hope that you enjoy this day whether you are married, single, divorced, widowed, in limbo. Feeling supported is associated with shifts in immune regulation, including inflammatory pathways linked to long-term chronic disease risk.

Connection is a basic human need and an important nutrient similar to meds and food. . We are here to support you here on line , via the phone 833-411-5864, or via email at contactus@bronchandntm.org. I hope that you have a good day getting pampered by someone or pampering yourself- you have been dealing with health challenges and you deserve it. 
๐Ÿ’•โ™ฅโค๐Ÿ’๐ŸŽŠ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿค—

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Albumin and Prealbumin were discussed during our
recent BNTM Coffee Break.

Total protein has two main componentsโ€”albumin and globulin.
The bodyโ€™s protein is derived from ingested food and is influenced by the
quality of diet, as well as by liver and kidney function.

Below is a basic review of Albumin vs. Prealbumin. Think of
them as nutrition markers with different time speeds.๐Ÿฅฃ
Albumin =โ€œLong-term fuel tankโ€. Albumin reflects overall nutrition over
weeks to months. Low albumin can mean: poor nutrition over time, chronic illness/inflammation.
Low albumin is linked with weaker breathing muscles and slower recovery. Prealbumin
= โ€œWeekly check-inโ€. Prealbumin reflects recent protein intake -the last few
days to a week.

This marker is helpful to see if nutrition support is
working, if protein intake is improving, and if recovery is moving in the right
direction. It also drops with infection, inflammation, stress, and steroid use.
This matters for BNTM patients since breathing takes muscle strength.
Malnutrition can lead to a weaker diaphragm, greater fatigue, slower healing, and a higher risk of infection. This is an important lab to check before a patient has
surgery.

This explains why good nutrition is so important for us. We
may be tired on some days of preparing meals, but having quick, easy meals available is essential to a better quality of life.







5 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Were you able to attend the BNTM coffee break yesterday with Michelle MacDonald, MS, RDN?  Do you have any follow-up questions?

5 days ago

Seated

Seated

Any Seattle peeps here?

6 days ago

Seated

Seated

hi group, new today. How to start? Can I access others comments? Do I self introduce? Double Dx one mo ago. Now need to construct a PIP (pulmonary improvement plan). Learn about milestones, outcome measures. Maybe local counselor and trainer.

6 days ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

Hello! ๐Ÿ˜Š
Are you ready for a gentle review of routine lab numbers?

The previous post reviewed the purpose of each of the 20 lab markers or measurements in an SMA-20 panel (Sequential Multiple Analyzer panel), also known as a CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel). The SMA-20 or CMP measures key electrolytes, kidney and liver function markers, glucose, and proteins.

Too often, healthcare providers list these tests and numbers quickly, expecting patients to fully understand what they mean. The goal of sharing this information is to help you better understand these markers and the significance of any abnormal values. Itโ€™s hard to make informed changesโ€”or ask meaningful questionsโ€”if we donโ€™t fully understand what the targets are.

Below are normal adult reference ranges, provided for general educational purposes. Please note that ranges may vary slightly between laboratories and publications:

Glucose (fasting): 70โ€“100 mg/dL
Sodium (Na+): 136โ€“145 mEq/L
Potassium (K+): 3.5โ€“5.0 mEq/L
Chloride (Clโ€“): 95โ€“105 mEq/L
COโ‚‚ (Bicarbonate): 22โ€“28 mEq/L
BUN: 7โ€“20 mg/dL
Creatinine: 0.6โ€“1.2 mg/dL
Calcium (total): 8.4โ€“10.2 mg/dL
Phosphorus: 3.0โ€“4.5 mg/dL
Magnesium: 1.5โ€“2.0 mg/dL
Total Protein: 6.0โ€“7.8 g/dL
Albumin: 3.5โ€“5.5 g/dL
Globulin: 2.3โ€“3.5 g/dL
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase): 10โ€“40 U/L
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): 12โ€“38 U/L

I hope this helps you feel better equipped to ask your healthcare provider questions about your SMA-20 lab results and to better understand what your numbers may be telling you.

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123A SMA20 blood test is frequently ordered by your primary care provider and or your pulmonologist while under their care. Medications are filtered through the liver and kidneys.
Medications, illnesses, and changes in nutritional intake can affect these numbers. The article below explains the meaning of each of the 20 tests. Hopefully, you will have a better understanding of what is going on when your healthcare provider reviews your results.

https://healthresearchfunding.org/smac-20-blood-test-results-explained/



SMAC 20 Blood Test Results Explained - HRFThe SMAC 20 blood test is a regularly ordered group of tests that helps to determine what the overall status of health of a patient happens to be. Most patients will be required to fast for a minimum of 12 hours before having the blood draw for this test. Results are typically available in 24-48 โ€ฆ

SMAC 20 Blood Test Results Explained - HRF

The SMAC 20 blood test is a regularly ordered group of tests that helps to determine what the overall status of health of a patient happens to be. Most patients will be required to fast for a minimum of 12 hours before having the blood draw for this test. Results are typically available in 24-48 โ€ฆ

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! February is healthy heart monthโคโคโค. Are you keeping good tabs on your cholesterol levels? The terms LDL, HDL and more  can be confusing The article below from the Cleveland Clinic reviews the different types of cholesterol and treatment options. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11920-cholesterol-numbers-what-do-they-mean

What Should My Cholesterol Levels Be?

Target cholesterol levels vary by your age, sex, family history and risk factors. But there are general guidelines.

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! How are you doing today? Are there high winds in your area? High wind conditions can significantly impact respiratory patients. Cold Air: High winds can bring cold, dry air, which can irritate the airways and lead to bronchospasm/ bronchoconstriction, making it harder to breathe.  Symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing may occur in some individuals. Be prepared with a mask/ a good scarf if you must go outside your home on high wind days. Have your inhaler available if one has been prescribed by your health care provider. 

1 week ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon Hello everyone!โ€ฏ

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

Michelle MacDonald, MS, RDN, CDCESโ€ฏwill join us again to address "How your Lab Results and Nutritional Needs are Interrelated.โ€ Time allowing, she will also address additional questions about nutrition for Bronchiectasis and NTM Patients from our November 2025 Coffee Break. Michelle is a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialistโ€ฏwho has 15 years of clinical experience as the dedicated dietitian to the infectious disease clinic at National Jewish Health. Currently, she works full-time in private practice, offering both virtual and in-person consultations.โ€ฏ

Resources:

Here is a link to a video of Michelle MacDonald on Nutrition. Sponsored by NTMir.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30L2Ha4W_Nk

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

Ksmiles123

Heart Health Matters ๐Ÿ’™ When you live with Bronchiectasis
or NTM, your lungs work harder every day. What many people donโ€™t realize is
that your heart is working harder, too. Your Heart Is Part of Your Healing ๐Ÿ’™
A strong, supported heart helps move oxygen, fight fatigue, and give you the
energy to keep going. When you care for your heart, youโ€™re not just protecting
an organ โ€” youโ€™re supporting your entire healing system.

Simple heart-healthy small steps can make a real difference:

Choose foods that nourish, heart-healthy foods, such as a
balanced, anti-inflammatory meal

๐Ÿšถ Gentle movement, like a
gentle walk or stretching, when able to do so

๐Ÿ˜ด Prioritizing rest and sleep-
rest without guilt

๐Ÿ’ง Staying hydrated

๐Ÿง˜ Stress reduction, breathe
deeply, and calm your nervous system

Taking care of your heart is another way of taking care of your
lungs. You are more than your diagnosis. You are strong, resilient, and worth
the care. ๐Ÿ’™ Do you have any heart-healthy practices that
you would like to share with the community?



1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! A basic review of the heart and lung connection: The
heart and lungs are confined within the chest cavity and share different
functions. When lung diseases reduce oxygen delivery, it can place stress on
the right heart. The heart pumps oxygen-poor blood from the right side into the
lungs via the pulmonary artery, where gas exchange occurs in tiny air sacs
called alveoli. I am not writing this to alarm you but to remind you that it is
important to keep an eye on your vital signs- your blood pressure, your heart
rate, swelling of feet and lower legs, and your cholesterol levels. Report any notable changes to your primary care provider; do not wait until an upcoming visit in three to six months. Your primary care provider may recommend an appointment with a cardiologist to do
further diagnostic testing. Cardiac diagnostic testing may include an echo, a stress test, or other tests. Let us know if you have any specific questions. Below is a video on how to take your own vital signs:
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=vital+signs+you+tube+video&&mid=062CDD0C089341CCC7A3062CDD0C089341CCC7A3&FORM=VAMGZCvital signs you tube video - Search VideosWatch videos instantly on Bingโ€”enjoy direct playback, discover related clips, and dive into trending content all in one place.

vital signs you tube video - Search Videos

Watch videos instantly on Bingโ€”enjoy direct playback, discover related clips, and dive into trending content all in one place.

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question time spent clearing airways

KB, I wish you the best! 1:1 coaching with a respiratory therapist is definitely worthwhile. I hope that you can get a less time consuming but effective airway clearance program in place soon.

1 week ago

Suepink1

Suepink1

Interesting read in the European Lung Foundation's (ELF) newsletter about a study into how menthol can help to relieve the feelings of breathlessness. Hopefully this link works, but if not, take a look at their site:Can menthol inhalation reduce the feeling of breathlessness? - European Lung Foundation

1 week ago

baileymccrary

baileymccrary

Hi everyone! Yesterday, Congress advanced and the president signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026. This funding package includes several big "wins" for the lung health community!:


- COPD Foundation/Bronchiectasis and NTM Association priority report language accompanying the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget
- Overall budget increase for the NIH
- Two-year extension of Medicare coverage for virtual pulmonary rehabilitation
- Restrictions on "forward funding" to provide more research funding
- Limits on indirect payment caps for research


Our lung health community's tireless dedication on advocacy helped make these "wins" possible! Thank you for your support of these policy priorities throughout 2025. Everyone should be very proud of their hard work that contributed to better policies for the lung health community.


Thank you to everyone for your passion and commitment for better lung health policies. We are incredibly proud of our community and look forward to more policy "wins" in 2026!

1 week ago

TimD

TimD created the event February 2026 BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break

Hello everyone! Our next BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break is Wednesday, February 11, 2026 @ 2:30pm EST. Michelle MacDonald, MS, RDN, CDCESโ€ฏwill join us again to address "How your Lab Results and Nutritional Needs are Interrelated.โ€ Time allowing, …

2 weeks ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Do you fully understand the connection between the lungs and the heart? The link below from the Cleveland Clinic , including an infographic reviews this important information: https://www.nationaljewish.org/education/health-information/infographics/whats-the-connection-your-heart-can-affect-your-breathing
Please let us know if you have any specific questions. 

2 weeks ago

KB

KBasked the question: time spent clearing airways

Hi. My diagnosis is mild bronchiectasis. Typically I have to clear airways every 4 to 5 days. But it takes me up to 3 hours to clear airways start to finish. From what I read on this blog, I am slow! Currently steaming for 15 minutes, nebulizing with …

2 weeks ago

KB

KBanswered the question Allergy related bronchiectasis flareups

Thanks for all this feedback. I am seeing allergist/immunologist and pulmonologist. Answers soon I hope but its looking like allergies exacerbate the bronchiectasis; flares, cold adds to it as you all knew. Its nice to have people to talk to about this. …
Ksmiles123 also answered the question Ksmiles123 also answered the question

2 weeks 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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