BronchandNTM360social welcomes new member Widdy who joins 3,523 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Below is a blog article on Fall Foliage and Respiratory Patients: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/59/Foliage-and-the-Respiratory-Patient

Foliage and the Respiratory Patient

This blog post was written by Katie Keating, RN, MS, patient advocate Fun fall decorations, such as pumpkins, hay stacks and cornstalks are a great way to get in the autumn spirit. Who doesn't love stunning fall foliage? While most people enjoy the lingering warm weather, Indian summer and …

1 hour ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123A great video with Dr.Tim Askamit, BNTM 360 Medical Director,on Bronchiectasis https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0tlYi4BLouM

1 day ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Today is World ๐ŸŒŽ Lung Day! 

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

As we welcome Autumn and the leaves ๐Ÿ start falling off the trees- please be mindful of mold on wet leaves. A mask is recommended if you are assisting with the cleanup. 

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

3 days ago

Sindy

Sindy

So I went to see Dr O'Donnell at Georgetown medical Hospital in DC. Wow! What an amazing experience. Anybody with a bronchiectasis diagnosis, I highly recommend a second opinion from her. She reviewed my CT scan I had in 2019 that diagnosed me with bronchiectasis. Her conclusion was there is no evidence of bronchieactisis on the CT scan. Before I decided to celebrate, it was concluded that I should get a second CT scan just to truly rule it out. Well I am elated to share with you all that there is no sign of bronchiectasis on the newest CT scan either. She said I definitely have something and it's probably something along the lines of asthma but I do not have this life-altering condition known as bronchiectasis. She did a pulmonary function test, something my pulmonary doctor had never done before, and it came back fantastic. She also ran a panel of blood work to roll out different triggers for different types of asthma and those all came back great. She said there is a physician that trained under her that will be coming into my area this fall and I am elated about that. I am still using my Smart vest, my airbika, and pursed lip breathing to help me through my morning phlegm issues. But just the mindset that I have knowing that all of this isn't because I have bronchiectasis is quite different. I feel like I have a new identity! I just wanted to thank everybody on this forum that has been a godsend for me over the last almost 4 years. Because of you all I was able to be reassured, and supported through very difficult time. I have so much more empathy for all of you and my prayers will always be with the people of this group! Bronchiatisis is a very little known disease but because of my journey I will hopefully be able to educate people, in spite of not having it myself now.

4 days ago

laff4evr

laff4evrBronchandNTM360social Welcomes The First Day Of Autumn

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Cleaning nebulizer/airway clearance devices

You are most welcome! There are many different methods of cleaning the equipment. The most important thing is that you do not clean it with tap water- boiled water for at least 10 minutes. We are here for you.
Chrism also answered the question Chrism also answered the question

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Have you made an by appointment to get your flu vaccine? I usually get mine in mid October.

5 days ago

Chrism

Chrismasked the question: Cleaning nebulizer/airway clearance devices

Iโ€™m waiting for the April social notes but am really struggling with the sanitizing piece of this twice daily ritual. Right now Iโ€™m boiling at home 5-10 minutes. Air dry. Does anyone use cold sanitizing procedures? Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or perhaps …

5 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Are you a newly diagnosed patient? Below is information on avoiding flare ups: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/Learn-More/Exacerbations

5 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Chair yoga

MaryA, So glad to read your post- we all have to find what type of exercise, relaxation techniques work best for us. Have a pleasant evening.
MaryAAnn A also answered the question MaryAand 1 other also answered the question

6 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! We want our members to be understood by families, friends, coworkers. 

6 days ago

Tahoe

Tahoeanswered the question covid vaccine

Thank you for your response. Appreciate it. Have a nice day
Mike Hess, RRT (COPDF Senior Director of Public Outreach and Education) also answered the question Mike Hess, RRT (COPDF Senior Director of Public Outreach and Education) also answered the question

6 days ago

Tahoe

Tahoeasked the question: covid vaccine

I have bronchiectasis. What is the consensus on getting the new Covid vaccine that came out in September. I read several articles that found the vaccine gave lung problems to some individuals. Thank you. Tahoe

6 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Below is information on being a patient in the hospital and preparing for the return to your home: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/Learn-More/Hospital-to-Home

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Diagnosis

Annie, He may see a pattern on the chest x ray that is seen commonly in Bronchiectasis/ NTM patients. The most accurate is the high resolution cat scan.
Annie99 also answered the question Annie99 also answered the question

1 week ago

BeClearwithBronchiectasis

BeClearwithBronchiectasis

When we sterilize our Aerobika in the microwave, we must use a specially designed steam baby bottle bag. We shouldn't use a regular Ziploc plastic baggie. Medela and Dr. Brown are two popular brands of steam microwave bags. They are very convenient and I have used them while traveling and occasionally at home.


If you are going to use them on a vacation, you might want to practice at home. The instructions are on the bags and the time you set will vary based on the strength of the microwave.


Also, some of us are mistaking the storage bag that comes with the device for a microwave sterilizing bag. This bag is only meant for storage. Using it to microwave your Aerobika will melt your device. 


Best,Linda Esposito

1 week ago

Annie99

Annie99asked the question: Diagnosis

Can a diagnosis of bronchiectasis and NTM be made based on a chest x-ray alone? - Thanks!

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

How are you doing today? Are you feeling better with the cooler weather? 

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! We all hear of the importance of airway clearance, over and over again. Below is information on the different airway clearance devices:https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/Learn-More/Coping-with-Airway-Mucus/Airway-Clearance-Devices

Airway Clearance Devices | Bronchiectasis and NTM Initiative

Bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease can make clearing your airways difficult. Mucus that pools in the lungs can cause inflammation, infections, and low levels of oxygen, while also making it hard to breathe.

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

1 week ago

marsrocket

marsrocketAre you looking for healthy breakfast ideas? Here is what some neurologists eat for breakfast to support brain health and overall health. Five minute read.

https://www.today.com/health/diet-fitness/neurologists-eat-for-breakfast-brain-health-rcna99035?

8 things neurologists eat for breakfast for better brain health โ€” and 2 things they avoid

Reach for these eight breakfast foods to support your brain first thing in the morning.

1 week ago

Tack

Tack

Good Morning-  Great to share your experience/knowledge.


I am diagnosed with Bronchetasis; living with it for about - 3 years; taking each day as it comes.


Tack

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Below is a link to manual airway clearance techniques:https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/Learn-More/Coping-with-Airway-Mucus/Manual-Airway-Clearance-Techniques

Manual Airway Clearance Techniques | Bronchiectasis and NTM Initiative

Chronic cough is a major symptom of bronchiectasis. This is caused by too much mucus in the lungs and expanded airways that makes it hard to cough out the mucus. Tiny hair-like structures in the lungs, called cilia, move mucus out of the small airways.

1 week ago

Chrism

Chrism

Just listened in on the social mtg & would love to get the April meeting notes. Thank you: chrismason@sonic.net

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Are you interested in sharing your airway clearance schedule with the community? 

2 weeks ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Are you prepared for the fall season? The article below, written by Amanda Atkinson, RN, offers some tips for the season: https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Community/Questions-and-Answers/Its-Almost-Fall-Yall-Resource-Round-Up-Avoiding-Illness.aspx

It's Almost Fall Ya'll! Resource Round-Up: Avoiding Illness.

Happy Almost Fall! It is hard to believe that we are already almost 9 months into 2023! Where did the time go? I was reminded that we are entering …

2 weeks ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon Hello everyone!

Our September BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break is on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023 @ 3pm EDT where the topic is "Respiratory Clinical Research, including the MAC2v3 Pragmatic Clinical Trial being conducted by Oregon Health & Science University" presented by Dr. Emily Henkle.
Please find more information about the clinical trial eligibility criteria: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03672630"

The meeting registration link is here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclcuusrDMpG9PrF3BDUA2nw2csTkQsg7EG#/registration

Looking forward to seeing you all on Wednesday!

2 weeks ago

Deeh!

Deeh!answered the question Safe place to stay in Denver

Hi - I'll be going to NJH in Denver and after doing extensive research and speaking to some people I know that lived there - Cherry Creek, or Wash Park area are two of the best places to stay. I opted for an airbnb and found a beautiful apartment to …
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.


NTM Infographic 1
NTM Infographic 2
NTM Infographic 3
NTM Infographic 4