BronchandNTM360social welcomes new member Linda Jan who joins 5,154 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

These last days of Marchโ€ฆ can you feel the shift? ๐ŸŒท

Longer days, changing weather, a little more time outsideโ€ฆ and for many living with COPD, bronchiectasis, or NTM, this time of year can bring a mix of good days and a few surprises too.

So today, letโ€™s do a quick check-in togetherโ€”something simple, but really important:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Have you noticed any small changes in your breathing this week?

Sometimes itโ€™s easy to brush things off as โ€œjust allergiesโ€ or โ€œjust the weather,โ€ but those early changes can be your bodyโ€™s way of asking for a little extra attention.

Things like:
โ€ข Feeling a bit more short of breath than usual
โ€ข Needing your rescue inhaler more often
โ€ข A change in cough or mucus
โ€ข Feeling more tired than your normal

And for those living with bronchiectasisโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‘‰ Have your airway clearance routines felt a little harder lately?
Are you needing a bit more time, or not getting the same results you usually do?

That can be an important signal too.

๐Ÿ’ก This is a great time to:
โ€ข Take a quick look at your action plan
โ€ข Stay consistent with your routines
โ€ข And donโ€™t hesitate to reach out to your doctor if something feels off

Catching those changes early can make a big difference.

And just as importantโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‘‰ Whatโ€™s one small win or bright spot youโ€™ve had these past few days?

Maybe a steady breathing day, a short walk, a good laugh, or a quiet moment with someoneโ€”or somethingโ€”you love ๐Ÿพ

Iโ€™ll startโ€”thereโ€™s something about these last days of March that makes me want to slow down just enough to notice the little thingsโ€ฆ and to listen when your body whispers, not just when it shouts.

Your turnโ€”what are you noticing, and whatโ€™s been a bright spot for you? ๐Ÿ’™

11 hours ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments4 comment(s)
  • Ksmiles123A good laugh is the very best medicine of all. I have had to use my rescue inhaler more frequently. Many of us deny the need to use such devices; however, they really do help with giving you more energy on certain days. Please discuss whether or not a rescue inhaler would assist you. There are many different types of inhalers; I had to try several before I could find the one that works best for me.  I ๐Ÿ’• seeing longer days and more โ˜€๏ธ sunshine. 10 hours ago
  • 360Coach Brandon Great point, Katie!  It's worth the conversation with your doctor and medical team to see if a rescue inhaler could be something to help if you are experiencing shortness of breath. 9 hours ago
  • Ksmiles123Shortness of breath or wheezing upon exertion, such as mild exercise are other reasons why an inhaler maybe useful at this time of the year. This subject is definitely worth a conversation with your health care provider. We all desire and deserve the best quality of life possible.:)7 hours ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Happy National Doctors Day! We are so grateful to the doctors who have dedicated their careers to assist BNTM patients. The core group of BNTM doctors are committed to assist with the development of new drugs and treatments to improve the quality of our lives. 

8 hours ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Are you interested in watching a great YouTube video on demographics, difficult-to-treat infections, exacerbations, hemoptysis, and more? This video is presented by the BNTM Association and Patient Care and Partner Webinar, Southeast Consortium/ Emory University, Dr. Colin Swenson, and other healthcare professionals.
 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0Uie7GwJ-GA
Let us know if you have any specific questions.

13 hours ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Are you planning on traveling for the upcoming holidays? Below is some information that will assist you with your planning: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Travel
Unfortunately, TSA issues continue. Please pack adequate or extra supplies in the event of delays. Wishing you a good and safe trip. 

1 day ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Clarametyx Bioscience Clinical Trials on Pseudomonas

DAJ, Hello! Thank you for sharing positive news of a potential new drug to treat Pseudomonas. I hope the drug continues to show positive results in the remainder of this clinical trial.

2 days ago

DAJ

DAJasked the question: Clarametyx Bioscience Clinical Trials on Pseudomonas

BiomX just dropped a study for a drug to treat Pseudomonas, which was disappointing, but Clarametyx is now also working on clinical trials for a drug to treat Pseudomonas in the lung. Here is a link from a recent news release if you haven't seen it. …

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Sodium Chloride 7% coverage?

Windy, Hello! Welcome to the community. You can purchase saline online on Amazon, priced at $29.00 per box, or at stores like Walmart.. There are several different brands posted on Amazon in a similar price range.

3 days ago

windy1977

windy1977asked the question: Sodium Chloride 7% coverage?

Hi all, Just had a Bronchiectasis flare a couple of weeks ago. I am on Albuterol via nebulizer. Pulmonologist also said use Sodium Chloride 7% solution for nebulizer 1-2 times a day to help thin mucus. Medicare Part B rejected the Sodium Chloride. …

3 days ago

baileymccrary

baileymccraryHello all! On March 18, we had 54 COPD and bronchiectasis patients, caregivers, loved ones, healthcare providers, and COPD Foundation and Bronchiectasis and NTM Association team members join us for IMPACT Lung Health 2026 in Washington, D.C. to advocate for support of our policy priorities from our lawmakers. Together, we held 101 meetings with legislative offices representing 28 states, 56 Senate districts, and 45 House districts. Bronchiectasis and NTM Association advocates spoke with lawmakers about four critical priorities:
- Support the Development of New Bronchiectasis Treatment Approaches through FY27 Appropriations Provisions
- Increase Funding for Lung Health Research and Promote Innovative Treatments through FY27 Appropriations Provisions
- Co-sponsor the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act (H.R.2902 or S.1406) to Ensure Medicare Patients have Access to Essential Oxygen Therapy
- Co-sponsor H.R.783 or S.240 to Enact Permanent Medicare Coverage for Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation

We are incredibly proud of our team of advocates and the progress we made together for lung health in Washington, D.C.! If you'd like to virtually support IMPACT 2026, you can urge your lawmakers to support our policy priorities by visiting our Advocacy Action Center: https://www.votervoice.net/COPD/Campaigns/135958/Respond

We want to extend a special thank-you to our sponsors who made IMPACT 2026 possible! Thank you Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi USA, Inc., Insmed Incorporated, Sanofi/Regeneron, Theravance Biopharma US, Inc., and Viatris. Your support is greatly appreciated!

4 days ago

Suepink1

Suepink1

Interesting new read today from the COPD Foundation on Pseudomonas in people with non CF bronchiectasis and chronic rhinosinusitis:


Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Bronchiectasis | Journal of the COPD Foundation


not sure if that will open the link, but if it doesn't and you're interested, easy to search it.
Have a great day,

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Is Nanoe-X air purification in Toyota cars safe if you have NTM?

Ncares, You are most welcome! We are here to assist you on this BNTM journey.

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123asked the question: Are you getting a good nights sleep?

Sleep is an essential part of the healing process. Sleep provides restoration within our bodies. It impacts our ability to perform our daily tasks such as airway clearance, treatments, preparation of highly dense nutritious foods , energy to exercise and …

4 days ago

ncares

ncaresasked the question: Is Nanoe-X air purification in Toyota cars safe if you have NTM?

Apparently Toyota (in Europe) includes a Panasonic technology in the air conditioning system in some of its cars. Nanoe-X technology feeds trillions of nano-sized, atomized water particles into the ventilation airflow. These hydroxyl radicals have been …

5 days ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon Is it just allergiesโ€ฆ or something more? ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ’ญ

This time of year, itโ€™s easy to blame allergiesโ€”maybe your cough picks up a bit, you feel more tired, or your breathing just feels a little off.

But sometimesโ€ฆ itโ€™s not just allergies.

When Dr. Reddy joined us for our March Coffee Break, we spent time talking about exacerbations (flare-ups) and how important it is to recognize those early changes. This feels like a great way to keep that conversation going.

A few things to watch for:
โ€ข Increased coughing or a noticeable change in your cough
โ€ข More mucus, or mucus thatโ€™s thicker, darker, or different than usual
โ€ข Increased fatigue or feeling run down
โ€ข More shortness of breath than your normal
โ€ข Chest discomfort or tightness

What might lean more toward allergies:
โ€ข Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
โ€ข Sneezing and runny nose
โ€ข Clear, thin mucus
โ€ข Symptoms that improve when youโ€™re away from triggers

The key? Knowing your baseline.
With bronchiectasis and NTM, your โ€œnormalโ€ mattersโ€”and when something shifts, even slightly, itโ€™s worth paying attention.

We also have a helpful section on exacerbations on our website (link at the bottom of the post) if youโ€™d like to take a closer look. This is one of our regular check-ins as a community, because recognizing those early signs can make a big difference.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Thinking back to that Coffee Breakโ€”what stuck with you? Have you ever thought something was allergies, but it turned out to be more?

Letโ€™s keep the conversation goingโ€”your experience could help someone else catch it sooner.

https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Exacerbations

Exacerbations | Bronchiectasis and NTM Association

People with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease sometimes struggle with staying well. Inflammation coupled with mucus pooling in the lungs becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. If you are unable to clear the mucus from your airway, you may have a greater chance of having an exacerbation (x-saa …

5 days ago

  • NewestOldest
  • Ksmiles123Yes, letโ€™s keep the conversation going from our last coffee break. We are here to answer any follow up questions that you may have. We often get too many question many questions in the chat to respond to before the time is up. We are here on an ongoing basis to answer the questions that were not addressed during our BNTM Coffee Breaks.. 5 days ago
  • das23Pollen is just picking up here in NE. So far so good. We'll see how it goes this year. Great post Brandon!! Thanks5 days ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Warner temperatures have arrived in many parts of the USA. Have you been able to get out for a walk or some type of exercise? The link below reviews the benefits of regular exercise: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Exercise

5 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Are you looking for some inspiration today? Below are a list of 65 Spring related quotes: https://www.keepinspiring.me/spring-quotes/ 
Let us know if you find a favorite one that inspires you! ๐Ÿ˜

Spring Quotes to Make Your Soul Bloom

Ready for a season of new beginnings? Check out the best spring quotes to prime your mind and spirit for the season of renewal.

6 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Uplifting drug development news to share!!!The information below was posted by Dr M. Flammer, Chief Medical Officer at Insmed:
We are taking another step forward today to bring meaningful progress to people living with MAC lung infection. We shared positive topline results from our Phase 3b ENCORE study, which demonstrated encouraging and consistent results that provide a meaningful difference for those living with this serious infection.

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Do you understand the difference between health care disparities and healthcare inequities? Health inequity and health disparity are related but differ in meaning. Health Disparities refer to measurable differences in health outcomes between groups, often influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, geography, or race. Health Inequity focuses on the unjust and avoidable differences in health outcomes that arise from inequalities. It emphasizes the moral and ethical dimensions of health differences, highlighting that these inequities are often rooted in social injustices and discrimination. Disparities are about measurable differences, while inequities address the fairness of those differences. 
Disparities can arise from various factors, including environmental influences, whereas inequities stem from social determinants such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare. A health disparity might be the higher prevalence of respiratory issues in a specific group compared to others. A health inequity would be the roadblock that prevents that group from getting quality healthcare, leading to worse health outcomes. Let us know if you have any questions.

1 week ago

TimD

TimD created the event April 2026 BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break

Hello everyone! Our next BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break is Wednesday, April 8, 2026 @ 2:30pm EDT. Joining us this month is Dr. Christopher Richards, MD. to discuss the relationship between Cystic Fibrosis and non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis. …

1 week ago

  • Ksmiles123I am so looking forward to listening to this presentation. Many major advances have been made in the field of CF over the past few years. I am looking forward to hearing about the connection between CF and Non CF and possible future treatments. I hope you will be able to join us. 1 week ago
Jenifer70

Jenifer70

Finally a clear chest x ray ๐Ÿ™Œ 

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Happy Saturday! I hope that you have a pleasant day! 

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Spring has finally sprung!!! Yippee ๐Ÿฅณ! Today marks the first day of spring, as of 745am. I hope that you are excited about being able to get out and about more frequently. Getting out for short or long walks is so good for our lungs, and our emotional wellbeing.https://www.calendardate.com/spring_2026.htm

When is Spring 2026 - Calendar Date

Spring 2026 starts on Friday, March 20th in the Northern Hemisphere, with daylight time lengthening and the leaves begining show on the trees with the changing tilt of the earth's axis.

1 week ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

Today is World Storytelling Day, and what better time to honor the power of your story. ๐Ÿ’™

If you are living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, or another lung condition โ€” or caring for someone who is โ€” your story matters more than you may realize. The hard days, the small wins, the setbacks, the strength it takes to keep goingโ€ฆ all of it can mean something deeply important to someone else reading along.

Sometimes sharing your story is more than just opening up. It becomes a hand reaching out to someone who feels scared, overwhelmed, or alone. It shows others that even when life is not easy, there is still courage, resilience, hope, and a way to keep moving forward.

You may never fully know how many people are encouraged by your path, your honesty, and the ways you endure and thrive. But it happens every day in this community.

So for World Storytelling Day, we would love to hear from you. What has your journey taught you? What would you want someone newly diagnosed, or a fellow caregiver, to know? Your voice could be exactly what someone else needs today. ๐Ÿ’ซ

1 week ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments5 comment(s)
  • Alyssa DittnerThank you, Brandon and Katie, for sharing the importance of having a voice! We are collecting 12 videos to highlight for World Bronchiectasis Day, and so far we have 3. If youโ€™re interested in sharing your story or message, weโ€™d love to hear from you.1 week ago
  • LucindaThe first time a doctor asked me, "what's your story", I had no idea what he was asking. I had never had anyone to ask me that before. I started talking. I later learned the art of telling my story for impact and influence.  Sharing my story with other patients to help them to not feel alone.  And later sharing my story with providers across the country creating awareness, impact and influence.

    Sharing you story with family is often difficult but necessary. Especially if you are the proband... first person diagnosed in a family., as I am.  Telling your story is important!1 week ago
  • Ksmiles123Lucinda,
    Sharing your story with family and close friends is so important so they can truly understand your concerns, challenges. BNTM is usually an invisible disorder since most of us donโ€™t carry any special medical equipment. We look well and are often misunderstood. Sharing our stories lessens the chance of being misunderstood and helps us to be accepted where we are. 1 week ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Brinsupri Results

Thank you for posting the link. Post-bronchodilator FEV1 a common test that determines how well your lungs are working, was measured at 1 year in the ASPEN study. People taking placebo saw a decline of 62 mL compared with 50 mL for those taking …
Countryviolet also answered the question Countryviolet also answered the question

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! An interesting but technical research article below on the reasons why some respiratory patients do not take or stay with the medications that their healthcare provider prescribes: https://journal.copdfoundation.org/jcopdf/id/1575/Determinants-of-Medication-Nonadherence-Among-Diverse-Adults-With-Chronic-Obstructive-Pulmonary-Disease

Let us know if you have any questions. 

Determinants of Medication Nonadherence Among Diverse Adults With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Introduction: High rates of medication nonadherence contribute to poor outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the mechanisms driving nonadherence remain poorly understood. Methods: We conducted qualitative semistructured interviews to evaluate barriers and facilitators of inh

1 week ago

marsrocket

marsrocketIt's National Let's Laugh Day. What makes you giggle or snort or tee-hee? Like they say, laughter is good medicine. (click on image)

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Health inequities in respiratory patients exist in different forms, impacting their access to care and health outcomes. Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often face barriers such as limited access to healthcare, and environmental pollutants, which exacerbate respiratory conditions. Certain racial and ethnic groups experience higher rates of respiratory diseases due to many factors, including discrimination in healthcare access and differences in treatment quality.Occupational health risks, such as exposure to harmful substances,  affect workers in specific industries, leading to higher incidences of conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Access to respiratory healthcare can vary by region, with rural areas often lacking specialized services and resources, leading to poorer health outcomes. Are you or a loved one experiencing health care inequalities in your area? 

1 week ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments5 comment(s)
  • Alyssa DittnerAt the CCN, we have an entire committee dedicated to this subject. We will soon be recording a podcast! We are always trying to move mountains, even if it is one rock at a time.โค1 week ago
  • Ksmiles123Alyssa,
    I am so looking forward to listening to the podcast on this topic. 1 week ago
  • Ksmiles123An example of a health inequality is that some individuals are not guided by their healthcare provider to seek the resources they need to improve their respiratory health. A few examples include: Respiratory therapists could assist patients in learning airway clearance- some insurance companies will provide this service, some will not. Dieticians can provide nutritional guidance for underweight patients- some insurance companies offer this, some do not. Informing patients of their options affects their long term outcomes. Most people do not read in between the lines of their health insurance manuals and understand what is covered and what is not covered . Proper guidance, and education by a healthcare provider and our BNTM community can lead to better health outcomes. 1 week ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Health Equity Matters for all BNTM patients.  Everyone deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life, get quality healthcare โ€” no matter their zip code, income, race, education, or background. Health equity means removing barriers, addressing disparities, and ensuring access to quality care for all.  Fairness in health isnโ€™t a privilege โ€” itโ€™s a right.  Have you experienced unfairness in healthcare practices in your community?

1 week ago

Kalli Mago

Kalli MagoDuring this monthโ€™s Coffee Break, we talked about exacerbationsโ€”a sudden worsening of symptoms in bronchiectasis or NTM lung disease. If youโ€™re curious to learn more on the subject, check out this previous episode of the Bronchiectasis & NTM Association Podcast: https://copdf.co/exacerbations-podcast. 

In this episode, Dr. Tim Aksamit, Medical Director of the Bronchiectasis & NTM Association, answers the top five questions about exacerbations submitted by the 360social community. Listen to learn how to recognize an exacerbation, track your symptoms, understand the role of the environment, and more.

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Today is Impact Lung Health Day. Our BNTM team of advocates are meeting with our representatives in DC today. It is a long day of continuous meetings to increase awareness on BNTM  and to educate our representatives on how BNTM impacts our lives. Our overall  โ€œ askโ€ is to secure more funding for research on BNTM. We are aiming for better treatments, coverage for pulmonary rehab and more.  
The greater the number of patients, the greater the impact will be. Let us know if you would be interested in joining the group for the annual event in March of 2027. 

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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