BronchandNTM360social welcomes new member LaMesaRehabPulmonary who joins 4,583 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Alyssa Dittner

Alyssa Dittner

Physical activity and exercise are important aspects of overall wellness, especially for people with bronchiectasis. Physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression, may help clear mucus, and may improve shortness of breath.


๐Ÿ’ชLearn more about how to exercise with bronchiectasis: copdf.co/BNTM-exercise
๐Ÿ™‹Want to get involved? Sign up to receive our free toolkit: https://copdf.co/WBD-toolkit
๐Ÿ‘€Earn a chance to win some World Bronchiectasis Day swag by sharing this post and tagging us OR signing up for our toolkit!
Want to support World Bronchiectasis Day activities? https://copdf.co/Support-WBD

1 day ago

  • NewestOldest
  • das23I've been exercising my whole life. Probably the reason I'm still here!!!!๐Ÿ’ชAnd----In reasonably good health despite COPD and Bronchiectasis....Do what you can!!!๐Ÿ‘1 day ago
  • Ksmiles123Physical activity is so good for our lungs, our bodies and our minds. I have also been exercising my entire life- I used to run ๐Ÿƒ but now I walk when I feel well enough to do so.
    Regular exercise assists us in processing our thoughts, enables us to โ€œ let goโ€ our some things that may bother us . 23 hours ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Below is an article on the celebration of Juneteenth: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-06-18/explainer-what-is-juneteenth-and-when-did-it-become-a-us-federal-holiday   Enjoy this special holiday. 

29 minutes ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123asked the question: Have you signed up for the World Bronchiectasis Day toolkit?

Please assist our BNTM community in increasing public awareness of Bronchiectasis. Sign up for our awareness toolkit . Help us raise awareness in your own network with our free toolkit. It's packed with social media posts, resources, and tips to help …

45 minutes ago

Brittany Irish COPDF

Brittany Irish COPDF created the event Bronchiectasis and NTM: From Treatment to Research

Join us on World Bronchiectasis Day for a virtual event focused on the current principles of management and care for bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease. We will also discuss the research process and referrals, as well upcoming research in the field. …

18 hours ago

Brittany Irish COPDF

Brittany Irish COPDF created the event Elevating Awareness of Bronchiectasis: Comprehensive Strategies for Diagnosis, Management & Treatmen

Bronchiectasis is often underdiagnosed. Learn how early recognition and consistent care can improve outcomes. Join our free webinar on July 1 at 5 pm ET to get the latest information on diagnosis, treatments, and ongoing care strategies to help people …

18 hours ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Are you interested in ordering merchandise for World Bronchiectasis Day! Wearing a tee shirt , sweatshirt or using other World Bronchiectasis merchandise can be a conversation starter and assist in increasing the awareness about bronchiectasis. https://copdfoundation.myspreadshop.com/world+bronchiectasis+day?idea=662bec476f233e2a6bf92c53

1 day ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Are you getting ready for World Bronchiectasis Day on July 1st? The link below reviews ways that you can get involved, and spread awareness on this important day. The greater awareness on Bronchiectasis increases the chance of funding for research.
https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Get-Involved/World-Bronchiectasis-Day/Get-Involved

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Blood in Sputum

Hello Trout, Welcome to the community. A small amount of blood in your sputum is common when you are coughing a lot, have an infection. I am glad you are getting better. The video below will review the basics of blood in the sputum, ( hemoptysis), when …
360Coach Brandon also answered the question 360Coach Brandon also answered the question

2 days ago

Trout

Troutasked the question: Blood in Sputum

I occasionally get blood in the sputum. For severe cases my pulmonologist prescribes antibiotics, but this time it is not that severe, and seems to be getting better. Can this issue resolve on its own??

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Living w MAC without treatment

JulieAnn, You are most welcome. We are here to support you on your journey. I am glad that your symptoms are mild. I understand your concerns. Please keep us posted after your doctor visits.
Julie AnnJohnT also answered the question Julie Annand 1 other also answered the question

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Happy Fatherโ€™s Day to all of the fathers, godfathers, grandfathers, and others who act in a nurturing role to a child, young adult, adult. I hope that you enjoy your special day! 

4 days ago

Julie Ann

Julie Annasked the question: Living w MAC without treatment

I have heart issues while on treatment. I'm considering stopping treatment. Anybody here just watching and keeping an eye on MAC with out treatment?

5 days ago

marsrocket

marsrocket

Hello friends. The latest thinking of my infectious disease doctor and one of my pulmonologists is that the causes of my nuclear-level cough and mucus hypersecretion are multifactorial, which could explain why six months on antibiotics didn't touch it. Possible factors include:
1. Multiple recent infections
2. Damage from past infections, including scarring, blebs and bullae, and a 5 cm cavitary lesion.
3. Neuromuscular weakness due to Parkinson's.
4. Dysphagia causing mucus to stick in my throat and possibly recurrent aspiration of tiny food particles, which is only dangerous if it causes choking or pneumonia.
Obviously, some of these factors are easier to treat than others, and there could be other factors that haven't been figured out yet. I am considering going into the hospital next week for a few days for respiratory therapy and IV antibiotics, but I'm still deciding. Could be lots of unmasked people coming and going. 
Also, happy Friday the 13th! Stay away from black cats and creepy guys wearing hockey masks, and you should be fine. 

5 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123We were discussing weather conditions during the beginning segment of our recent BNTM coffee social on Wednesday. It is important for respiratory patients to pay attention to the weather forecast as the heat of the summer approaches. Below is a blog article on the terms frequently used by the weather forecasters: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/54/Why-Weather-can-Worsen-your-Lung-Condition

Why Weather can Worsen your Lung Condition

This blog post was written by Katie Keating, RN, MS, patient advocate Weather can affect most of us in general, but understanding weather forecasts is especially important for people with respiratory disorders.  My objective is to discuss a few of the different terms often used during weather …

6 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Were you able to join the BNTM Coffee Social yesterday with Dr. Shelby MacRae? If so, what was your biggest takeaway from the coffee social hour?


Dr. MacRae did a great presentation on the topic of sputum. Do you have any specific questions on sputum collection, lab results or any other related sputum questions? 

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

The article below reviews 55 self care suggestions for men. Wellness knows no gender. Some of the suggestions are not suitable for our community; however, I hope that you can get a few tips on self care from the article: https://selfaffirmationsdaily.com/self-care-ideas-for-men/

1 week ago

marsrocket

marsrocket

Attention beautiful breathers. The article below details various airway clearance options, and mentions a 2021 study which showed that Aerobika and Acapella devices might be more effective at the higher settings. Peace.

https://respiratory-therapy.com/products-treatment/monitoring-treatment/therapy-devices/sorting-through-all-the-airway-clearance-options/

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123NYU is hosting a one day virtual conference on Menโ€™s Health in October,2025. Please click the link below if you are interested in attending: https://www.highmarksce.com/nyumc/Planners/viewActivity?style=2&preview=true&plannerID=3519

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello!  Self care includes looking after our physical and emotional health. Men are less likely to seek help for mental health challenges in comparison to women . Onesโ€™s mental health can affect oneโ€™s physical health. Below is an article from Cleveland Clinic -11 Tips on Improving Mental Health in Men: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/tips-for-taking-care-of-mens-mental-health

Menโ€™s Mental Health: 11 Tips for Taking Care of Yourself

Menโ€™s mental health needs often go untreated, leading to chronic stress, undiagnosed anxiety and depression, and higher rates of suicide. Ready to make your mental health a priority? Hereโ€™s where to start.

1 week ago

marsrocket

marsrocketHello friends. My speech therapist suggested that I purchase an EMST-150 expiratory muscle training device, mostly to help strengthen my swallowing muscles, but apparently there are lung health benefits as well. There's also an adapter for people who want to strengthen their inspiratory muscles as well. Not as endorsement since I have only owned it for three days.  They cost about $55. Peace.
emst150.com 

1 week ago

Paula Watterworth

Paula Watterworth

Has anyone been prescribed Breztri? I see it contains a corticosteroid and Iโ€™ve heard that steroids should not be used if you have a chronic bacterial infection. Thoughts?

1 week ago

Paula Watterworth

Paula Watterworth

Confused about treatment of pseudomonas bacteria that has been present for over a year and has developed resistance to Ciprofloxacin and inhaled Tobramycin. 

1 week ago

  • NewestOldest
  • Ksmiles123Paula,
    Hello! Welcome to the community. I am sorry to read that you have resistance to these two meds. There are other options; this is a question that must be discussed with your Pulmonologist and Infectious Diseases Specialist.1 week ago
  • Ksmiles123We 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 what you are going through.โ€ฏ You can alsoโ€ฏemail us atโ€ฏinfo@bronchiectasisandntm360.orgโ€ฏto get more information aboutโ€ฏmedications.โ€ฏ Our Ambassadors canโ€™t provide medical advice but may be able to assist you with additional information and resources. 1 week ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Menโ€™s Health is one of our topics for the month of June. Self Care for men isnโ€™t just an activity, it is a mindset to learn how to improve the quality of your life. The link below, from Psychology Today magazine offers five tips on self care activities: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-man-cave/201806/five-self-care-ideas-the-modern-man

Five Self-Care Ideas for the Modern Man

Making time for yourself isnโ€™t selfish, it's necessary to being at your best.

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Having to stop treatment due to tachycardia

You are most welcome. I am so glad to read that your doctor communicated with you today and a new plan is in place. Please keep us posted.
Julie Ann also answered the question Julie Ann also answered the question

1 week ago

Julie Ann

Julie Annasked the question: Having to stop treatment due to tachycardia

I started MAC treatment in March but I had to stop in June due to tachycardia. Now I'm waiting for my pulmonologist to come up w a new treatment plan. I've been off treatment for a week now. I'm worried about not being on treatment.

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question MAC treatment and tachycardia

Julie Ann, Thank you for joining our community! There are other medication options. I suggest discussing this with your pulmonologist. Your doctor will assist you to identify what med/ meds are causing tachycardia. He/ she must review any possible …

1 week ago

Julie Ann

Julie Annasked the question: MAC treatment and tachycardia

What treatment is available if the big 3 used for MAC causes tachycardia. Are there other options?

1 week ago

marsrocket

marsrocket

I just saw an article on the Respiratory Therapy magazine website stating that Biwaze recently launched a six month long study to determine whether their other device, the Biwaze Clear, is an effective at home treatment for bronchiectasis patients.
โ€œOur goal is to demonstrate that BiWaze Clear can significantly reduce pulmonary exacerbations in bronchiectasis patients and improve their quality of life when used in the home setting,โ€ said Leah Noaeill, Vice President of Marketing and Clinical Affairs at ABM Respiratory Care.

https://respiratory-therapy.com/disorders-diseases/chronic-pulmonary-disorders/chronic-diseases/home-care-biwaze-clear-bronchiectasis/

1 week ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon Hello everyone!โ€ฏ

Our next BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break will be Wednesday, June 11, 2025, @ 3 pm EDT.

This month we will be joined by Dr. Shelby MacRae, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine- Pulmonary/Critical Care at the LSUHSC School of Medicine, who will help us to better understand sputum test results. https://www.medschool.lsuhsc.edu/DOM/Sections/Pulmonary-CC/faculty/shelby_macrae.aspx

Also, our very own Alyssa Dittner, Assistant Director of Education and Community, Bronchiectasis and NTM Association will update us on upcoming World Bronchiectasis Day events.

Links:

Sputum
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/25174-sputum-culture

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563195/

World Bronchiectasis Day
https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Get-Involved/World-Bronchiectasis-Day/General-Information

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 all next Wednesday!




1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Weather changes such as severe heat and humidity can worsen respiratory symptoms in some patients. The blog article below reviews terms such as heat index, dew point, and high humidity levels. Please let us know if you have any questions. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/54/Why-Weather-can-Worsen-your-Lung-Condition

Why Weather can Worsen your Lung Condition

This blog post was written by Katie Keating, RN, MS, patient advocate Weather can affect most of us in general, but understanding weather forecasts is especially important for people with respiratory disorders.  My objective is to discuss a few of the different terms often used during weather …

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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