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Hello! This week is National Assisted Living Week.  I want to begin by writing a little about the history of Assisted Living Facilities. When we hear assisted living, we may picture a nursing home. But that isn't necessarily what assisted living is. The concept was developed to provide support in a home-like setting while helping people maintain independence, dignity, choice, and quality of life.

Assisted living, as we know it today, developed largely in response to the limitations of the traditional nursing-home model. Beginning in the 1980s, a new philosophy of care began to emerge. Advocates promoted more individualized services and greater independence as alternatives to traditional nursing facilities.

During the 1980s and 1990s, assisted living expanded rapidly, and a variety of models began to emerge. By 1998, there were an estimated 11,459 assisted-living facilities in the United States. Today, there are approximately 39,000 assisted-living and residential-care facilities, serving approximately 1.2 million residents.

Do you or a loved one live in an assisted living facility? Are you a caregiver for someone who does? If so, please consider sharing the resources below with your assisted living healthcare team. These resources can help staff better understand bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease and the unique needs of individuals living with these conditions. 💙 Knowledge leads to better understanding, better communication, and better care. Please share these resources with the healthcare professionals who support you or your loved one.

All About Bronchiectasis Booklet https://social.bronchandntm.org/resources/detail/25

Do You Know About NTM Lung Disease (Part1)https://social.bronchandntm.org/resources/detail/8

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Welcome La Rosa! We are so happy to have you here! 

Welcome to our community - we're really glad you're here! 

LaRosa,

Hello! Welcome to the community; I am so glad you found this site. I have not been on Brinsupri nor have heard of a similar issue thus far. Brinsupri has only been on the market for over one year. Have you discussed this with your Pulmonologist? Perhaps, they will want to increase the dose to 25mg to see if it helps since the 10 mg was helping you initially. Our bodies get accustomed to a medication and often an increase in dose is needed for some medications. Please let us know what your Pulmonologist suggests. We look forward to hearing back from you. 

Hello

I'm new here.  :)    I wanted to connect with others to see if anyone else is experiencing what I am with Brinsupri.

I have been taking Brinsupri 10 mg for almost a year now.  At the beginning of the fourth month I felt a noticeable improvement and had less and less phlegm and cough, as well as less breathing issues and fatigue, as the months progressed.  It was such a relief!  After 30 years!  But recently I have noticed that I feel like I am going backwards, as though my body has gotten used to the medication and it isn't working as well as it was.

Has anyone else on Brinsupri had this experience?

💙 Celebrating Grandparents in Our BNTM Community 💙

Wishing all grandparents, soon-to-be grandparents, and those acting in the role of a grandparent a wonderful day! :)

Grandparents have a special way of making life feel a little warmer, a little wiser, and a whole lot more meaningful. For those living with BNTM, being a grandparent may sometimes feel different. You may need to pace yourself, plan around your respiratory treatments, conserve your energy, or find creative ways to stay connected with the people you desire to be with.

And for grandparents supporting a loved one with BNTM, your encouragement, patience, and understanding can mean more than you will ever know. Whether you're sharing a hug, watching from the sidelines, making a phone call, sending a text, or simply being there—your ongoing presence truly matters. Ongoing support means so much at every stage in our lives.

Today, we celebrate the grandparents in our BNTM community and all the love they give and receive. Happy Grandparents Day! 💙 Please share any special plans you have for this special day- we would love to hear from you! 

Good to know! Thanks, Lucinda.

Interesting that you asked. At first the doc prescribed ceftin, but my doctor was off so it was another doc who apparently did not check my file that I often get pseudomonas infection. So  I called back and they prescribed cipro, which is one of the two that always worked better for me (the other being levoquin). I suggested a sputum sample but the first doc disagreed and sent me for a chest x-ray instead (it was negative).

Cindy... I understand. As the coordination of care is the expectation, not all Centers offer it in the same way. Vanderbilt is aware and is working on creating a coordination of care model that Dr. Flume spoke about. I'm glad you are seeing Dr. Tolle. 

Thanks, Lucinda. Dr James Tolle is my pulmonologist but this is the first I am hearing about the Center of Excellence designation at Vanderbilt. I suppose that designation plays differently at each institution. I recognize that it takes leadership and funding to develop the kind of coordinated team approach that Dr Flume described. Vanderbilt at-large, of course, offers all the medical specialties and ancillary services that would comprise a team like the one that Dr Flume outlined. What I don’t find is a system of coordination of care and support like he talked about. Don’t get me wrong, Dr Tolle is a great guy and luckily I did eventually make my way to him because of his interest in bronchiectasis. For the most part, I’ve been happy with my care at Vandy and grateful for the range of available specialties. I know that many people who need this care are not nearly as fortunate—if they can find it all they have to travel to access it. For most people it’s a solitary journey. 

September 11 — We Remember. We Grieve. There are some days when words simply aren’t enough. September 11 is one of those days.

We remember the lives taken, the families forever changed, the first responders who ran toward danger, and everyone who has carried the weight of that day for 25 years.  Reaching out to those who have been dealing with respiratory issues since 911: it has been a long and challenging journey, but you are not alone.

Grief doesn’t always belong to one particular day. For those of us living with bronchiectasis, NTM, or other respiratory illnesses, we understand that grief can take many forms. We can grieve the person we were before our diagnosis. We can grieve quietly—even while smiling, laughing, and telling everyone we’re “doing okay.” And sometimes, the greatest act of courage isn’t fighting harder; it is the strength to get support and to keep moving forward.  

And for everyone in our BNTM family who is carrying grief today—whether from 9/11, from chronic illness, or from a loss that only you understand—please be gentle with yourself.

You don’t have to hide your grief.
You don’t have to apologize for it.
And you don’t have to walk through it alone.

🕊️ We remember those we’ve lost. We honor those who continue to fight. Please check in with us regularly to let us know how we can assist you.

❤️ Today and always, we remember.

Cindy,
The Care Center Network is a program consisting of centers of excellence. Existing Centers such as Vanderbilt apply to the Care Center Network and if the meet the requirements then they are accepted into the Care Center Network. Vanderbilt, specifically, Dr. Christina Fiske and Dr. James Tolle applied and met the requirements and were accepted.  Both are part of the Care Center Network already. So if they are your doctors, you are seeing the right ones. If they are not your doctors, then I don't know why someone at Vanderbilt did not refer you to them. I hope this helps.

What kind of antibiotics are you on for the flare up

Lucinda,
Glad you remember me! I look forward to exploring BNTM further and attending future coffee breaks, etc.

I’m a bit mystified as to why I’m in the dark about the Center at Vanderbilt. My pulmonologist is at Vanderbilt and sees a lot of nonCF bronchiectasis patients. He has never mentioned the Center although it seems to me that I would be an obvious referral. Do you have any names of the clinicians there? Do you know if they are based in Pulmonology or Infectious Diseases?

C.

When you walk into a healthcare facility, who is making sure the environment is safe from the spread of infection? Why can this be especially important for the BNTM community? For people with bronchiectasis and NTM, infection prevention is especially important because healthcare facilities bring together many people with respiratory illnesses.

An infection control nurse plays a major role in protecting patients, healthcare workers, visitors, and the community from infections acquired or spread in a healthcare setting.  What does an infection control nurse do? Their job is essentially to prevent infections before they happen and stop them from spreading when they do occur.

Key responsibilities include:

• Monitor infections: Track infections occurring in the hospital, clinic, or other facility and look for patterns or increases.
• Investigate outbreaks: If several patients develop the same infection, the infection-control team investigates where it may have originated and how it is spreading.
• Develop infection-prevention policies: They help establish procedures for hand hygiene, cleaning, sterilization, isolation, PPE, respiratory precautions, and other safety measures. They address questions such as: Should this patient be separated from other patients? How can we protect vulnerable patients in the waiting room?
• Educate healthcare workers: They train staff on infection-prevention practices.
• Monitor compliance: They may observe handwashing, PPE use, cleaning procedures, and other activities to make sure policies are being followed.
• Manage isolation precautions: They help determine what precautions are appropriate for patients with potentially transmissible infections.
• Surveillance: They follow organisms such as C. difficile, influenza, tuberculosis, and other healthcare-associated infections.
• Work with public health departments: Certain infections or outbreaks may need to be reported to the CDC, state, and Local health departments

 Do you have any infection control experiences or suggestions that you would like to share with the community?

thank you (me too) :-)

I hope that you feel much better by the time of your appointment. 

Hi Cindy,

I remember you!! Yes, it's a small world. So glad you found us and it's great to hear from you.

Bronchiectasis and NTM have always been recognized within the COPD Foundation, but in the past couple of years the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association and the Care Center Network were recently added as a division of the COPD Foundation. As you mentioned, we are a great resource.  And the Coffee Break's are an added benefit. As far as Vanderbilt, they are part of our Care Center Network and they have a good team. 

I look forward to seeing you on more Coffee Breaks and post on our 360Social. Great to have a fellow Alpha here :)

near the end of October

Thank you for joining us today for a great presentation on the Care Center Network. Please let us know if you have any follow up questions. 😍

Hi Lucinda,
I just attended the zoom coffee break with Dr Flume and recognized you as the person who organized an Alpha 1 support group in Nashville several years ago. Small world!

I have severe bronchiectasis and have had 2 bouts of NTM for which I was treated at Vanderbilt ID and Pulmonology. BNTM has never been mentioned to me by anyone at Vanderbilt, yet I see that Vanderbilt is listed as a Center. I stumbled upon BNYM myself about a year ago. It’s a great resource—I feel very late to the party!

Best,

Cindy

You may have wondered: “Why would my pulmonologist want an Infectious Disease (ID) specialist involved in my care?”

It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re “more sick.” Sometimes it means your doctors want another layer of expertise.

An ID doctor may be brought in when:

🔹 A difficult or unusual organism is identified

🔹 NTM is suspected or confirmed
NTM treatment can involve multiple medications, potential drug interactions, side effects, and prolonged therapy.

If there is a question of infection vs. colonization A positive sputum culture doesn’t always mean that treatment is needed. Your clinical symptoms, imaging and microbiology determine the treatment plan.

🔹 The infection keeps coming back
An ID specialist may help determine why and whether additional testing or a different treatment strategy is appropriate.

🔹 Antibiotic choices become complicated- Resistance, allergies, medication interactions, or previous treatment failures may require specialized infectious-disease input.

🔹 Treatment causes significant side effects- The ID doctor can work with the pulmonologist to balance treating the infection while minimizing medication toxicity.

Sometimes the most important role of an ID specialist is simply helping the team answer: Do we treat, what do we treat with?

Has your pulmonologist ever referred you to an Infectious Disease specialist? Did having an ID doctor involved change your treatment plan, or understanding of your cultures? Please share your experience below to assist other members on their journey. 

Eddie,

You are most welcome. Let me know if you have any other questions. As mentioned above, I hope you are getting the right treatment. I assume that your healthcare provider has reviewed the right type of airway clearance for you?  A doctor/ a health care team will suggest specific airway clearance depending upon the results of your chest cat scan. Would suggest to get a referral from your pulmonologist to a respiratory therapist for advice if you haven’t already done so. Preventative measures , going forward are far better than dealing with ongoing curative measures. 

Thank you very much.

I'd replace my cell phone with a Star Trek Communicator.  Brandon, please "make it so!"  🖖

Eddie M,

Hello!  Let me start by reviewing a few terms: Bronchiolectasis → the smaller airways/bronchioles are widened or damaged; bronchiolectasis may appear as tiny widened airways on a chest cat scan. This condition is sometimes associated with mucus plugging, inflammation, or small-airway disease.

Bronchiolectasis can be relevant because it may reflect small-airway involvement and can occur alongside the classic bronchiectasis pattern.

Another common term is Bronchiolitis-  an inflammation and swelling of the very small airways deep inside the lungs, called the bronchioles.

Bronchiolectasis = the small airway is widened.
Bronchiolitis = the small airway is inflamed.

These two conditions can occur together. Inflammation and repeated infection involving the small airways can contribute to structural damage and bronchiolectasis over time.

I had bronchiolitis years ago and was totally exhausted. I was treated with antibiotics and steroids at that time; it took several months to start to feel like myself again.

I hope that you are getting the treatment you need and that you will feel better soon. 

I have been diagnosed with bronchiolectasis, not bronchiectasis. I can find almost nothing about this condition.  Are there  other members with this condition?  I'd like to start a discussion.  Thanks

Ron,

I am glad you are making some improvement. When is your next scheduled appointment? 

Join Professor James Chalmers as he shares key highlights from the European Respiratory Society Congress, including the latest research in bronchiectasis and NTM. Held in Barcelona, Spain, from September 5–9, 2026, the ERS Congress is the world’s largest respiratory meeting and a leading global forum for advances in lung health, science, and clinical care. This year’s program highlights breakthrough research, global collaboration, and a strong focus on patient partnership, with an emphasis on shared decision-making and co-creating better care.

The core theme, "United for better breathing – partnership between patients, clinicians and researchers,"

Living with bronchiectasis or NTM lung disease can bring a lot of questions. You do not have to navigate them alone.

Join National Jewish Health experts on Saturday, September 19, for a one-day conference created for patients, family members and caregivers.

Attend in Denver or from home by Zoom and learn more about treatment, airway clearance, medication side effects, nutrition, test results and everyday care.

Need to take a break or miss a session? Recordings are included with registration, so you can watch the presentations later at your own pace.

Learn more and register.

I called my doc and they gave me antibiotics. I have not gone in for a visit, as there is some improvement, albeit the improvement is very small/slow.

Ron,

Bad air quality and humidity can take a toll on our lungs.  Do you have a doctor's appointment scheduled so they can listen to your lungs and examine you? Your lungs take time to heal, but you should feel better soon.  Recovery time varies from individual to individual, but you should feel better after a month if the antibiotic worked. Do you have other comorbidities that may be impacting you?  I think a doctor's visit or phone call to discuss this is worth checking out.

Tim,

Lol! Were you really going to procrastinate on reading our posts?  Have a good day!

Happy Labor Day! Today we recognize and celebrate the contributions of workers in every field of work. 
Lung health and labor are deeply connected. Exposure to smoke, dust, fumes, and other pollutants on the job can increase the likelihood of developing bronchiectasis, NTM lung disease, and other chronic lung conditions.  In honor of Labor Day, help us spread the word about the importance of occupational protections and safety equipment so we can build a healthier future for all workers. Enjoy your day! 

Brandon and Katie, I'll read these later...

Kidding! You both make great points about the importance of taking the time to take care of yourself and telling yourself that it is ok to rest.

I also agree that if you love ice cream, it's important to never procrastinate getting yourself some! 🍨 😂

After an exacerbation, how long does it take most of you to return to your steady state? My most recent flare-up occurred on a very humid day, when the air quality was terrible (including smoke from the Canadian fires). This was back in July. After a round of antibiotics, I am patiently waiting to return to my "normal."  I have stepped up my airway clearance efforts but improvement is very slow.  At least this is my first flare-up this year (perhaps that is due to my starting Brinsupri).  Thank you all in advance for your thoughts.

Brandon,

Great post- thank you!!!! The line in your post -“ Sit your butt down and rest for a while” is something I procrastinate.  Many of us have difficulty giving ourselves permission to rest even though our bodies may be screaming out for rest at times. After many years since diagnosis, I still feel bad/ guilty about not being very productive at times; I need to be reminded by others that it is okay to rest as needed. “Resting as needed “ is as important as medications, exercise, good nutrition and more. :)))

Tori,

Glad that all is working out for you. When is the trip? :) 

I did find that I can bring distilled water in the ship. I purchased a collapsible basin and travel dish soap. I also bought extra nebulizer cups so I will only have to clean and reuse once.

How do YOU protect your lungs at the doctor’s office?

Going to the doctor is important—but for those living with Bronchiectasis and/or NTM, sitting in a crowded waiting room with people who are coughing can feel a little stressful. 

So let’s learn from each other! What infection-control precautions do YOU take when visiting a doctor’s office?

Do you… 😷 Wear an N95 or KN95?

🚗 Wait in your car until the exam room is ready?
🕐 Try to schedule the first appointment of the day?
🪑 Look for a less-crowded area of the waiting room?
🧴 Carry hand sanitizer?

Open doors with a paper towel or other protective cloth? Use a paper towel to push the elevator button? 

Do airway clearance immediately after the office visit?
📞 Ask the office about their procedures for patients with respiratory symptoms?
🤔 Or do you have another strategy that helps you feel safer?

Do you feel comfortable asking a doctor’s office to help reduce your exposure to respiratory infections—or do you worry about being perceived as “difficult”?

Please your experience below. What works for YOU might be exactly the tip another member of our community needs. Thank you in advance for sharing your experiences. 😍

Tim,

Hello! I am glad that you found a portable nebulizer that works for you- easy to clean is certainly a bonus, and the price point is good. Thank you for sharing this information with the community. 

I purchased the portable made by Geerok and find it to be more effective for me than the plug in model provided by my healthcare provider.  Cost was about $60.  It’s rechargeable and easy to clean , etc.  The key is to follow the manufacturer guidelines and instructions carefully.  Bottom line, I’m happy with it and it’s great for traveling.

Welcome, Tom! Please keep us updated, and let us know how we can support you as you navigate this journey. Be sure to stay consistent with your airway clearance routine, as it can play an important role in helping with mucus removal. I’m a respiratory therapist, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like any tips or suggestions.

Hello! I hope that you will take a few minutes to complete the form above. Assisting our team to identify any gaps in knowledge will help you and other members of our community. Your creative ideas / suggestions will be truly appreciated by Alyssa. This is your time to speak up, get your voice heard! 

I am so looking forward to this upcoming Coffee Break, listening to Dr.Flume speak about the BNTM Care Center Network! This is a dream of mine cometh true- that patients now have access to 54 BNTM specialty centers throughout the USA. Most patients no longer have to travel a great distance via airplane to get the treatment they deserve. The number of centers continues to expand- hopefully, there will be a center right near you if one doesn’t already exist. 
The BNTM community has witnessed great growth over the past decade and so much more will unfold over the next decade. 

I think this is a great opportunity to reintroduce myself. My name is Alyssa, and I am the Assistant Director of Education and Community. I lead many of our behind-the-scenes educational initiatives, and we have some exciting things launching by the end of the year that I’m looking forward to sharing when the time is right.

One of my favorite parts of this work is getting to know each of you and hearing your stories. Your experiences help me identify gaps in education and inspire creative ideas for projects that better address your needs and priorities.

If you are looking for ways to get involved, please fill out this form, and I’d be happy to help you find the right fit. If you’d like to connect directly, please email me at alyssa@bronchandntm.org.

https://copdfoundation.jotform.com/252755152952057