BronchandNTM360social welcomes new member MamaB who joins 4,926 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Did you attend the BNTM Coffee Break yesterday?
Do you have any questions regarding the presentation on nutrition ?
In case you missed our BNTM Coffee Break yesterday, below is a link on Nutrition and Immunity, presented by Michelle MacDonal, RD: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wFdLASqg8T4&list=PL8Zo-1VDhSPN76umWbkm003ge1_T1tMZ5&index=5&pp=iAQB

13 hours ago

marsrocket

marsrocketHappy World Kindness Day.
"Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.โ€ Henry James

15 hours ago

Vic

Vic voted on Helpful Nutritional Information Related to NTM/Bronchiectasis Patients

Gave a thumbs up for a blog post!

1 day ago

Suepink1

Suepink1

I feel quite emotional after listening to Michelle MacDonald.  Thank you so much Michelle, and thank you BE & NTM Assoc for facilitating this  

1 day ago

ChristinaH

ChristinaHanswered the question Anyone with Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency and bronchiectasis

Hi Cjack. Dr Sandhaus attended one of the monthly Coffee Breaks and spoke specifically about the overlap of Alpha 1 and bronchiectasis. Check out the recording linked below. https://youtu.be/CV97cMqXTeA
IndywomanAlyssa DittnerCjackand 1 other also answered the question Indywomanand 3 others also answered the question

1 day ago

ChristinaH

ChristinaHThe Northern Lights were on display in Virginia last night. Did anyone else catch a glimpse of this beautiful show in the country?

1 day ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Today is World Pneumonia Day! Please take precautions to lessen the chance of getting pneumonia. The info graphic below offers some great tips: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/DownloadsLibrary/Files/StayingHealthyPneumonia.pdf

1 day ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

2 days ago

Debi Up North

Debi Up Northvoted on Tips for the Holidays for individuals with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease

Gave a thumbs up for a blog post!

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123To all who have served our country!
We greatly appreciate all you have done for our country.  We hope that you enjoy this special day. 

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Will you be able to join us tomorrow for our monthly BNTM coffee break? Below is a video on Probiotics, presented by Michelle MacDonald, who will be presenting at our coffee break. There is mixed information on taking certain probiotics within the medical community.,Watching the video may spark some solid questions for the presenter tomorrow. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wFdLASqg8T4

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Exciting news! Do you want to see the list of the 25 new centers that have joined our BNTM Care Center Network? We are working on bringing quality BNTM Care closer to your home. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Press-Releases/Article/208/Twenty-five-centers-join-Bronchiectasis-and-NTM-Care-Center-Network

Twenty-five centers join Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network

Network facilitates access to high-quality, specialized patient care for bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease Miami (October 21, 2025) – The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association has accepted eight Care Center and 17 Clinical Associate Center sites in 14 states into the Bronchiectasis and NTM …

2 days ago

  • Alyssa DittnerWOOOHOO! That's fantasticโ€”25 new centers! This achievement is a huge step forward. Awareness, best practices, continuity of care, research, connection, and providing answers all come from strong Care Center Networks. Excited to see the incredible impact this will have!1 day ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Has your Pseudomonas infection cleared and then reoccurred?

Pam, Hello! Below is a medical article on a drug in the pipeline for Pseudomonas: https://medicaldialogues.in/pulmonology/news/colistimethate-sodium-effective-against-bronchiectasis-and-p-aeruginosa-infection-study-143449

3 days ago

CathyF

CathyF

Iโ€™m wondering if anyone in the group is using the Volara system for airway clearance? I have been using the Philips InCourage vest, which I like very much. But it increases my frequent headaches. 


My Bronchiectasis Nurse Practitioner suggested the Volara system. Any thoughts? I am blessed to be in this group.๐ŸŒป

4 days ago

  • Ksmiles123Cathy F,
    We are glad you are a part of our community. I do not use the Volara system. I wouldnโ€™t continue using a device that you feel increases your headaches. No harm in trying the Volara system if you can get it approved by insurance. Please keep us posted. 4 days ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Are you planning on getting the RSV vaccine?

Barbiecc, Hello! Welcome to the site. I am glad that you are doing okay now- having 3 vaccines at once was probably too much for your body. We must learn to identify what our bodies can handle and what they cannot handle. I realize that the big pharmacy …
Barbieec also answered the question Barbieec also answered the question

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Have you received the pneumococcal vaccine? Taking measures such as this vaccination lessen your chances of getting pneumococcal pneumonia. Recently, they have lowered the ages to get this vaccine to 50, it was 65 in the past. Below is information on this important vaccine: https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/vaccines/index.html

5 days ago

Pam in Colorado

Pam in Coloradoasked the question: Has your Pseudomonas infection cleared and then reoccurred?

I have had colonized Pseudomonas for 2 years. Recently I took a strong dose of Levaquin (after having no antibiotics for the past 2 years) for pneumonia and the last sputum culture indicated no presence of Pseudomonas. I fear a reoccurrence and am …

6 days ago

marsrocket

marsrocketHello friends. For the past two weeks I have been experiencing all-day breathlessness, at rest and with exertion, a new symptom. Normally I rarely experience SOB at rest, and with exertion it usually clears up a minute or two after the activity ends. To help with breathing I have been doing breath stacking where I take 3 or 4 short inhalations to build one full inhalation, then I breathe out slowly through my mouth. Also, one of my lungs docs prescribed a trial of prednisone to see if it helps, start low and build to a higher dosage if needed. This is within the palliative care realm, where most of the focus is on comfort and symptom relief. Here is some info on breath stacking. Peace and blessings to all. 
https://youtu.be/S9thwqIeuv0?si=f7V_sDFDuEop4UeK

6 days ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

Hello everyone!โ€ฏ

Our next BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break is Wednesday, November 12, 2025 @ 2:30pm EST.

We will be joined by Michelle MacDonald, MS, RDN, CDCES to discuss nutrition for Bronchiectasis and NTM Patients. Michelle is a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist who 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.

Resources:

Nutrition and NTM with Michelle MacDonald
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30L2Ha4W_Nk

Helpful Nutritional Information
https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/48/Helpful-Nutritional-Information-Related-to-NTMBronchiectasis-Patients

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€ฏhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclcuusrDMpG9PrF3BDUA2nw2csTkQsg7EG#/registration

Lookingโ€ฏforward to seeing you soon!

6 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Are you getting prepared with your own health care plan for the upcoming winter season? Understanding the risk factors for pneumonia will assist us in taking the appropriate precautions to prevent pneumonia. Below is information on the risk factors from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/risk-factors/index.html
Please let us know if you have any questions.

6 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Are you ready to listen to some great YouTube videos this afternoon?
The Lung Health Collaboration is actively recording some outstanding videos on lung health:,https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MXO8-NAwBN0

1 week ago

baileymccrary

baileymccrary

Hello everyone! I'm here to provide some insights on the current federal government shutdown. 

As you all are likely aware, the United States is currently in its longest-ever government shutdown. The pressure surrounding the shutdown has grown considerably since the beginning of the month, with many government employees missing their first paycheck. It is expected that as tensions continue to rise, a decision will be made about the budget within the next week or so. There are Congressional members on both side of the aisle meeting daily to discuss "off ramps" for this shutdown.

Of course, none of this is guaranteed, and it is important to stay in touch with your healthcare providers and health plans as you navigate treatment decisions during this difficult time. We collectively hope that our leaders will take action soon to end this shutdown.


We will keep our communities informed of any major changes regarding the shutdown. Thank you!

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! I hope that you have taken the time to get vaccinated. Taking preventative measures is far better than to deal with an acute illness such as pneumonia. Below is an infographic on Staying Healthy and Avoiding Pneumonia. Please let us know if you have any questions. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/DownloadsLibrary/Files/StayingHealthyPneumonia.pdf

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Breaking news! Bronchiectasis made it to Good Morning America! Increasing public awareness is underway! The increase in awareness worldwide will lead to more research and funding for Bronchiectasis. Additionally , increased awareness and education of health care professionals will lead to an earlier diagnosis, the right treatments and better outcomes for patients with Bronchiectasis. https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/video/127169810

Living with bronchiectasis

"GMA" and sponsor Insmed explore life with a rare chronic condition that affects around 500,000 Americans, leaving them unable to do the things they love.

1 week ago

Suepink1

Suepink1

Can anyone direct me to advocacy please.  As in increasing awareness amongst General Practitioners. 

1 week ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments5 comment(s)
  • Ksmiles123Suepink,
    Perhaps, you can use some content from the educational materials below: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/Educational-Materials-Resources/Downloads-Library
    You can email us at contactus@bronchandntm.org if you would like assistance with advocacy. 1 week ago
  • Alyssa DittnerHi Suepink1,I would love to help you share your story. Our organization leads the planning and coordination of World Bronchiectasis Day, and over the next few months, we're aiming to gather 30 patient stories to help raise awareness. 


    As you may know, World Bronchiectasis Day is a global initiative that has significantly increased awareness โ€” in 2025 alone, we reached over 250 million people! Your story could be a powerful way to inspire and inform others. 


    We now have access to a user-friendly platform called Storyvine, which makes sharing your story simple. All you need to do is download the app and record your answers with guided questions. 


    If you're interested or would like more information, please feel free to reach out to me at Alyssa@bronchandNTM.org.1 week ago
  • ChristinaHI sent this video around to my family members. This was well done. 1 day ago
Alyssa Dittner

Alyssa DittnerNew Podcast Episode! Uncovering the Overlap: COPD, Bronchiectasis, and NTM


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 detection, discusses the prevalence of COPD-bronchiectasis overlap syndrome, and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and effective communication with your health care team.

https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/Educational-Materials-Resources/Podcasts 

๐ŸŽงLet us know what you would like to learn about for our next episode! Comment some topics below!

Podcasts | Bronchiectasis and NTM Association Podcast

Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 Podcast is a series that educates, guides, and empowers patients and their family members with current information and resources. Hear from leading health experts, passionate advocates, caregivers, and people living with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease.

1 week ago

NancyJGC

NancyJGC

Fair. I feel overwhelmed by my prognosis with extensive bronchiectasis, MAC and pseudomonas.

1 week ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

๐Ÿ‚ Welcome to November on BronchandNTM360social! ๐Ÿ‚

As we step into a new month, letโ€™s take a moment to breathe deep, connect, and keep building the strong and caring community that makes this space so special.

Cooler days can bring new energy โ€” a perfect time to reflect, recharge, and check in with one another. Whether you share a little update, a favorite photo, or some encouragement, every post helps remind someone theyโ€™re not alone on this journey.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Stop by often, say hello, and let us know how your month is going. Together, we make this community stronger, one conversation at a time. ๐ŸŒค๏ธ

1 week ago

Miss Wood

Miss Wood

Mostly good

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Many symptoms of respiratory diseases overlap.  Medicare data research revealed that nearly half of individuals who have Bronchiectasis also have COPD. The link below reviews this overlap in greater detail. Please let us know if you have any specific questions. 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.

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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