BronchandNTM360social welcomes new member Sabine who joins 4,969 current members of our community. We’re glad you're here!

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon Hello everyone! 

Our next BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break is Wednesday, December 10, 2025 @ 2:30pm EST.

We will end the year with an open Questions and Answer session. Please plan to ask your questions during our discussion or email them to us in advance at contactus@bronchandntm.org. Alyssa Dittner BSRT, PDE, NTTS, our Assistant Director of Education and Community will share travel tips.

In celebration of the holiday season, please wear your ugly holiday sweater, fun holiday outfit, or your favorite holiday colors to add some spirit to the meeting! 

Below are some helpful resources related to our discussion: 

https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/177/Tips-for-the-Holidays-for-individuals-with-bronchiectasis-and-NTM 

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#/registration

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Tips for the Holidays for individuals with bronchiectasis and 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. The holidays are quickly approaching. We have gotten through an extremely challenging pandemic. However, many people with lung conditions are also worried …

1 day ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

Hello December, BronchandNTM360social! ❄

I hope everyone is settling in as we head deeper into the cold months. This is a great time to take a quick look at the things that help keep you feeling your best—making sure medications are filled, keeping your usual supplies handy, and staying mindful of those early signs that an exacerbation might be trying to sneak in. A little preparation now can make these chilly days a lot smoother.

December also has a way of making us pause and look back on the year. We’ve had moments of change, moments of strength, and moments that reminded us just how important this community is. We’ve had to say goodbye to friends far too soon, and they remain close to our hearts. We’ve also welcomed new faces and leaned on the steady support of those who’ve been with us for years.

So as we settle into this month, let’s take care of ourselves, look out for each other, and keep sharing the support and kindness that make this space feel like home. Here’s to a gentle, grounded, hopeful December for all of us!💙🧡

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Were you able to listen into the summary of the North American BNTM Conference, presented by Dr. Doreen Adrizzio? One of her key points was about getting pneumococcal antibody levels labs done. If the antibody levels are low, our healthcare providers may recommend a booster. A repeat lab test should be done after the booster to make sure that you have adequate protection. This is so important as we prepare for the upcoming winter months. 

1 day ago

Suepink1

Suepink1

Question for our meeting:  Does everyone with bronchiectasis in the USA get put on a Bronchiectasis Register?  Or are some health services unaware there is such a thing?

1 day ago

JennyJM

JennyJM

Hi all! Happy December! I hope everyone is staying warm if you are like me and already buried in snow.⛄ Remember to take time for yourself during the holiday season. It's very easy to become overwhelmed, discouraged, and burnt out while juggling family, travel, shopping and dealing with the overall hustle and bustle all around. The holidays are full of the best times but also some of the hardest. Take that extra 5 minutes for yourself, smile at babies, brake for squirrels, and when feeling isolated remember you always have support here!


"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see" -Mark Twain💌

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Handwashing is one of the top measures to lessen the spread of infection, especially in a healthcare facility. A nosocomial infection is a term used when a patient gets an infection while in a healthcare setting. The link and infographic below reviews the basics of handwashing. It is important that you advocate for yourself and speak up if you notice that a healthcare professional is not washing their hands before examining you. Please let me know if you have any questions. https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/hand-hygiene-for-healthcare.html

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Our next BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break is Wednesday, December 10, 2025 @ 2:30pm EST.
We will end the year with an open Questions and Answer session.  It would be great if we could have some questions submitted in advance of the coffee break.
Please plan to ask your questions during our discussion or email them to us at contactus@bronchandntm.org


Thank you! :) 

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! When at the doctor’s office, it’s important to take measures that will reduce exposure to germs. Some examples are using a paper towel to turn off the bathroom faucet, using a tissue for the elevator buttons and door handles. Wearing a N95 mask is optional in most offices today, but I would recommend it in some healthcare settings.  Below are some links to CDC resources on infection control measures: https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/about/index.html

Infection Control Basics

Infection control prevents or stops the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Are you currently using telehealth? Below is a link to updates Federal policies related to telehealth: https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/telehealth-policy/telehealth-policy-updates

Telehealth policy updates

Learn about recent Federal legislation and policies related to telehealth.

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Welcome to the month of December!
I hope that the month is tolerable and not too burr for us. Get your scarves 🧣 out to cover your mouth and nose when you are out and about.
Throughout this month, we will review infection control measures to lessen the chances of getting respiratory infections. We will review environmental conditions that can impact our health in the winter months. We will discuss healthy communication with family and friends so that they understand our often invisible respiratory condition, at the times when you are feeling well or are not feeling well . Lastly, we will address holiday stressors that could impact our physical and emotional health. We desire to assist you in finding joy throughout the month. Let us know if you have any specific questions. 

5 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! I hope that you had a lovely Thanksgiving holiday. Managing our personal energy throughout busy times of the year is challenging for many patients. Some individuals experience a greater level of fatigue when they push themselves too much, other patients do not feel a high level of fatigue. Below is an article I wrote years ago on tips for energy management that I thought it may assist you during the upcoming winter holidays. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments with some of your energy management tips. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/52/Energy-Management-The-Key-to-Living-with-NTMBronchiectasis

Energy Management-The Key to Living with NTM/Bronchiectasis

This blog post was written by Katie Keating, RN, MS, patient advocate NTM/Bronchiectasis patients have an invisible disorder, which as a patient, I feel few truly understand. Dealing with chronic lung disease on a daily basis can be extremely challenging. A major symptom for many …

1 week ago

  • NewestOldest
  • Suepink1For me:
    Simplifying and de-cluttering, yep, and moving house helped greatly with that! Learning to say no, yep! Rest, yep, or crash. 
    Realistic when it's hard to breathe. I have a lung disease, of course sometimes it's hard to breathe, but I am, so as long as I breathe out, I know I'll breathe in again.  Do something gentle and take my mind off of breathing.
    I am sometimes totally accepting, then, I don't know what the correct word is, but frustrated, why can't I do this.  For instance - I look at a walk, and it seems obvious, of course I can walk up that hill, ("it's not a hill, it's an incline") and then find myself struggling, and almost wondering why I can't do it. 
    Daft, I know, but, this is me. 5 days ago
  • Ksmiles123SuePink1,
    It is not you alone, you described many of us. I feel that we deal with ups and downs like a roller coaster at times.  We have good days , and some frustrating days. We have learned about ACT, Acceptance and Commitment Theory, but I still feel challenged, frustrated at times after so many years. The key is to identify the source of frustration and take action steps to lessen the frustration with that particular issue for the next time. I cannot do hills either- many of us lack extra/ residual volume in our lungs. Pittsburgh has a lot of hills, similar to SanFrancisco. I chose places that are flat to walk, in the area.  Otherwise,I drive to that area park that is flat without hills. 
    One day at a time. Thank you for posting your comments. 5 days ago
marsrocket

marsrocketHere are my big Black Friday plans. Happy weekend, friends. 

1 week ago

das23

das23

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone 🦃

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123On this Thanksgiving Holiday, I want to honor your strength, resilience, and the courage you show every single day. Living with Bronchiectasis and NTM isn’t easy, and yet you continue to meet each challenge with determination, hope, and a big heart.May this season remind you of the small victories—clearer breaths, moments of rest, connection with loved ones, and the support of a community that truly understands you. You are not alone in this journey. Your perseverance inspires others more than you know.Wishing you warmth, comfort, and gentle days ahead.Happy Thanksgiving—may it bring peace, gratitude, and healing over time. Make the best of your day.:) Katie

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍁🍽 Day!Below are some Thanksgiving quotes to share with your family and friends:, https://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/thanksgiving/thanksgiving-quotes

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Below is a Chronic Illness Survival Guide, from the Mighty website. The holidays can be a time of celebration, fun and high energy for some people. Many BNTM individuals experience fatigue , especially when dealing with a respiratory infection that can impact our daily lives.  This fatigue can be especially impacted around the holidays if we push way beyond our normal routines. Some of the tips in the guide below apply to BNTM individuals, some may not. The purpose of the guide is to communicate honestly with others about any limitations that you may have, to be compassionate with yourself. Let me know if any particular suggestion appeals to you. https://themighty.com/topic/chronic-illness/chronic-illness-holiday-survival-guide/

The Ultimate Chronic Illness Holiday Survival Guide

Your dos and don'ts for the holiday season.

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Are you a caregiver? The link below includes frequently asked questions for patients with COPD. Some of the questions and answers are applicable to the BNTM community, some are not. Do you have any specific questions regarding caregiving for an individual with BNTM? We are here to assist you. https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Caregiver/FAQ-for-Caregivers.aspx

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello!Thanksgiving is around the corner. Do you have a favorite quote on the topic of gratitude? Below is a list of 25 quotes on the topic of gratitude. Let us know if one specific quote touches your heart ♥. https://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/gratitude.html

TOP 25 GRATITUDE QUOTES (of 1000) | A-Z Quotes

Enjoy our gratitude quotes collection by famous authors, philosophers and poets. Best gratitude quotes selected by thousands of our users!

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello!  Boosting your immune system with good nutrition is essential as we approach the holidays and the winter months. Taking a one a day vitamin is recommended by most health care professionals.  Additionally, supplemental Vitamin D is recommended if your vitamin D levels are low. Below is an article on top immune boosting foods - please note that not all foods on this list are good for individuals with acid reflux: https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/7-foods-fight-back-immune-system-boosters/

7 Foods That Fight Back: Immune System Boosters

With colds and the flu, your immune system could use some help. Grab some of these foods as backup. They’re packed with nutrients scientifically proven to strengthen your immunity and fend off illness.

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! I realize that this is a busy week of the year for many members. Please do not forget to include your airway clearance into your daily activities. As the health care professionals repeat over and over again “ Airway Clearance, Airway Clearance, Airway Clearance…”, as the best way to manage Bronchiectasis. The link below reviews the different airway clearance devices and the meds for airway clearance: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Coping-with-Airway-Mucus

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 …

1 week ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

Getting Winter-Ready — Simple Steps to Stay Safe and Cozy

As winter edges closer, it’s the perfect time to get ahead of the cold before snow and ice arrive. A few thoughtful steps can go a long way in keeping you healthy and comfortable:

🩺 Schedule your appointments early. If you’re due for a physical or eye exam, try to get them done before the weather turns rough.

🧣 Bring out the comfort. Wash and air out your winter blankets and comforters so they’re ready when the chill sets in.

❄ Plan ahead for snow removal. Whether it’s a neighbor, friend, or local service, having help lined up before a storm hits saves stress later.

☕ Stock up the pantry. Keep favorites like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, soups, and broths ready — they’re comforting and help with hydration too.

🛒 Arrange for groceries. Make plans now for someone to help with deliveries or pickups if you can’t get out safely.

💊 Check with your doctor about cold medicines. Always be sure cough syrups, throat lozenges, or over-the-counter meds are safe for you and won’t interfere with your prescriptions.

✨ Think through before you do. A little planning now can make your winter easier and the holidays brighter!

2 weeks ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! As we approach the holiday season, it is a good time to review preventative measures to lessen exacerbations in BNTM individuals.  As the old cliche says “ An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure “. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/91/Preventing-Winter-Exacerbations-in-Bronchiectasis-and-NTM-Patients

Preventing Winter Exacerbations in Bronchiectasis and NTM Patients

This blog post was written by Katie Keating, RN, MS, patient advocate Exacerbations and flare-ups are a part of life for many bronchiectasis and/or NTM patients. A flare-up is when your everyday symptoms worsen; such as on humid or rainy days. Exacerbations, however, last longer and are more …

2 weeks ago

TimD

TimD created the event December 2025 BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break

Hello everyone! Our next BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break is Wednesday, December 10, 2025 @ 2:30pm EST. We will end the year with an open Questions and Answer session. Please plan to ask your questions during our discussion or email them to us in …

2 weeks ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

This year’s theme for World COPD Day is “ Short of Breath, think COPD. The RT magazine article below discusses the need for more diagnostic testing to be done early on for people with shortness of breath. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment early on will improve the quality of life for many individuals: https://respiratory-therapy.com/disorders-diseases/chronic-pulmonary-disorders/copd/world-copd-day-2025/?utm_term=RT%20Five%20Nov%202025&utm_campaign_type=newsletter&utm_hsid=346581813&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_9IlSWeAeVLh2ktc3RNQ00qbMNN5UCBAJ88j7h4bxN67iY8MaaF_Z-i4TsD1A8WV_rcAanm-JkwfQJIjAKqA2SaHJuyQ&_hsmi=390537346&utm_source=newsletter

2 weeks ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Podcast #13 Reviews the COPD Overlap Syndrome, with Dr.,Tim Askamit, Medical Director of the BNTM Association: https://bronchiectasisandntm360.podbean.com/e/episode-13-uncovering-the-overlap-copd-bronchiectasis-and-ntm/

Episode 13 : Uncovering the Overlap: COPD, Bronchiectasis, and NTM | Bronchiectasis and NTM Association

To view/listen to this episode on YouTube, click here. Dr. Tim Aksamit, Medical Director of the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association, discusses how many individuals with COPD may also have overlapping conditions such as bronchiectasis and NTM. This episode highlights the challenges of early …

2 weeks ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! As we celebrate World COPD day, I am posting information about the significant overlap of Bronchiectasis and COPD: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/COPD-Bronchiectasis-Overlap

COPD-Bronchiectasis Overlap | Bronchiectasis and NTM Association

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a term utilized to describe chronic lung diseases including emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, frequent coughing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest.

2 weeks ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Are you free tomorrow 11/19/25@11am,EST? 
 The COPD Foundation is excited to be hosting a special live session about one of our most unique programs: Harmonicas for Health. Tune in at https://lnkd.in/gw-xgVTx 
at 11 a.m. Eastern Time for this virtual session. Grab your harmonica and get ready to make some noise!
The Harmonicas for Health program, created by respiratory therapists, teaches patients to mimic pursed-lip breathing, which may make breathing easier and lessen the stress of not being able to breathe well.

2 weeks ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Exciting news around the globe- Brinsupri has been approved by the European Commission, as the first drug for non cystic fibrosis patients. Details of this announcement are in the link below: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/european-commission-approves-brinsupri-brensocatib-as-the-first-and-only-treatment-approved-for-non-cystic-fibrosis-bronchiectasis-in-the-european-union-302618805.html

2 weeks ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Have you been tested or are you interested in being tested for Alpha 1Antitrypsin Deficiency Disorder? Information on the diagnostic test is in the link below:,https://alpha1.org/testing-diagnosis/

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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