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Hello! Tis early afternoon- we still have plenty of hours left in the day to get a little exercise in.  I am going for a short walk in a little while.  I hope that you are able to get outdoors and get in at least a few minutes of exercise.  Any exercise is better than no exercise. :)))

Thanks for this. It does seem that there are different intersections of diseases and sub-types. My current care team doesn't include a bronchiectasis specialist and I think I need one. Luckily I'm close to a medical center that has a dedicated Bronchiectasis & NTM Program. 

Appreciate it! 

Seamus,

Hello! Welcome to the site. I am glad you found us. It can be confusing to determine what exactly is going on when one has multiple diagnoses. I also have asthma, mild Bronchiectasis and a history of NTM; many symptoms overlap. A sputum culture and sensitivity is the accurate way to determine if one has a bacterial infection. Below are links on Bronchiectasis, and on Diagnostic Testing, which includes sputum testing https://social.bronchandntm.org/resources/detail/25.

https://www.bronchandntm.org/For-Patients/Learn-More/Diagnoses-and-Evaluation/Testing-and-Evaluation

Please let us know if you have any specific questions after reviewing these materials. 

It is a beautiful autumn 🍂 day in many parts of the USA. Let’s Get Up, Get Moving, and Celebrate What Our Bodies CAN Do! 🌟

Today is a wonderful reminder that movement matters! Whether you’re living with bronchiectasis, NTM, or both  every little bit of movement counts.

💙 Take a short walk outside or around your home.
💙 Try some gentle stretching.
💙 Dance to your favorite song! 🎶
💙 Do a few chair exercises.
💙 Follow your pulmonary rehab exercises.
💙 Get up and move for a few minutes, then rest if needed.

Progress isn’t measured by how far you go. It’s measured by showing up for yourself!

Staying active within our individual abilities can help maintain strength, mobility, and independence. Listen to your body, pace yourself, and follow your healthcare team’s recommendations.

🚶‍♀️ What movement are you choosing today?
💃 Are you walking, stretching, dancing, or trying something else?
💙 What’s your favorite song to get you moving? Please post a picture here or on social media if you are up to it. 

Let’s celebrate every small victory.You don’t have to do it all. You just have to start where you are. Every step counts!👋😍

My bronchiectasis diagnosis is very new, but not a shock to me. I've had well-managed serious asthma for decades and kept pressing my pulmonologist for high-res imaging because I knew something was happening to my lungs. 

While I'm learning about the condition and ways to treat it, I am a bit unsure about how the potential mix of structural damage, asthma and bacterial infections interact for me. 

Question: Can flare-ups simply be the base condition with inflammation and/or congestion having nothing bacterial-related? It seems to be the case for me and I'd rather treat those without going to antibiotics all the time unless I know it's a bacterial infection. 

Curious about thoughts. 

Magg,

it is great to read that you feel the best that you have been in a long time- I sure hope this lasts. Prednisone is not a drug that is used long term for BNTM patients since it an immune suppressant & it can stir up dormant bugs in our lungs. Long term Prednisone also has some serious negative side effects. However, prednisone is great for short term use since it lowers inflammation in our respiratory tract.

What antibiotic are you taking? Some antibiotics, such as Azithromycin also have anti inflammatory properties but are not recommended to take long term for NTM patients. Azithromycin is a major tool in the NTM toolbox.

Azithromycin belongs to a class of antibiotics called macrolides. It is also one of the most important medications in treating certain NTM infections.

Taking azithromycin alone when active NTM infection is present or suspected can allow the bacteria to develop macrolide resistance.

Once NTM becomes macrolide-resistant, treatment can become significantly more difficult, with fewer effective options and potentially poorer outcomes.

Taking this drug long term may lessen its effectiveness when one really needs it for a NTM infection. 

A side note- it is wise to get evaluated for asthma, ABPA, or other conditions that might require targeted anti-inflammatory treatment. Inhaled corticosteroids maybe considered when there is a separate indication, such as asthma. I hope this helps. 

I am taking prednisone and a sntibiotic since I was wheezing alot snd had lots of mucus I have been on for 8 days do far and I feel the best I have felt in a long time. I breath and have energy and feel almost normal I was wondering do any of you take prednisone on a continuous basis or an antibiotic 

I'm really looking forward to the discussion on open enrollment and the Medicare updates related to chronic lung conditions.  We usually meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, but the BNTM Coffee Break will be held on Thursday this month.  Please mark your calendars for next Thursday at 230pm.

It is so uplifting to see the new guidelines for Bronchiectasis Care. We have come along way with bronchiectasis treatments over the past decade. As Brandon mentioned, this information may be overwhelming for some, but we now have set guidelines in place for all health care providers.  Consistency in treatment will now take place. Quality of care and quality of life will improve by having these set protocols in place.  Please let us know if you have any questions after viewing the video and the materials. :)))

🫁 Bronchiectasis Care Is Changing! What Do the New Guidelines Mean for You? 

There's a lot happening in the world of bronchiectasis research and treatment, and I wanted to share a video that takes a closer look at some of those changes!

In September, experts from the United States and Europe came together to discuss the new 2025 European bronchiectasis treatment guidelines and how they may influence the care people receive on both sides of the Atlantic.

Now, I know the word guidelines can sound a little intimidating, but they're really recommendations that help healthcare professionals make decisions about the best ways to treat and manage a condition.

This discussion looks at some important questions:

What are the latest recommendations for treating bronchiectasis?

When might long-term antibiotics or inhaled antibiotics be helpful?

Are there treatments that may not be recommended for everyone?

Why might treatment options and access to medications differ between the United States and Europe?

How might future treatments become more personalized to each patient's needs?

What I really like about this discussion is that it looks beyond the research and talks about how these recommendations may affect actual patient care.

The video is about an hour long, and while some of the discussion gets technical, there's a lot of valuable information about where bronchiectasis treatment is headed.

🎥 Watch the video here:

https://channel.ersnet.org/media-121507-bronchiectasis-across-the-atlantic-implementing-the-2025-ers-guidelines-in-us-and-european-practice-28-september-2026

As always, treatment decisions should be made with your healthcare team, but understanding what's changing can help you feel more informed and prepared for those conversations.

Have you and your healthcare provider talked about any of the newer bronchiectasis treatment recommendations? We'd love to hear what you've been learning!

Ahh... that makes sense. Yes, I'm also curious too see the plans the new director may have. 

CJack,

Hello! I just came across this company that offers virtual pulmonary rehab , it looks as if they have good reviews . Another possibility to check. https://join.cardahealth.com/patient/signup/questionnaire/which-struggles-are-you-experiencing

Jenny,

Hello! Happy autumn 🍂 back to you! Chessie is absolutely beautiful! I hope she enjoys being out and about throughout the autumn season. Enjoy this beautiful weather. 😍

So darn cute! Thank you for sharing your little lovable pups! 

CJack,

So glad that several include or are associated with a virtual pulmonary rehab program. Wishing you the very best in your search. Katie 

Hoping for a nice fall day so my dogs can participate with me for Lace Up for Lungs! Fingers crossed!

Ksmiles

Allow me to correct my previous comment. After more research into this l list, I found several do appear to have a virtual option or are indirectly involved in one.

Thanks

Have you checked out the two below that were previously posted? 

1. BreatheSuite Virtual Pulmonary Rehab, https://www.breathesuite.com/vprinfo 

• 12-week program
• Designed specifically for bronchiectasis, COPD, ILD, asthma and post-COVID
• One-on-one care from a physical therapist and respiratory therapist
• Individualized exercise prescription
• Remote monitoring of vital signs

2. Breathe Better Rehab, as Alyssa had recommended, particularly interesting for BNTM because bronchiectasis is explicitly included in its eligibility information. https://breathebetter.rehab/contact-us/new-patient-contact/ 

I hope you can find a program that works well for you. 

Thanks for this list but it doesn’t appear that they have virtual options available at these programs.

I think the pandemic took a toll on Vanderbilt’s PR program. They shut down entirely for a time—by the time they reopened they had a long waiting list. For months they were only accepting transplant patients. That’s when I pursued other programs. Maybe the new medical director of the Vanderbilt Lung Institute will bring about some change!
Thanks for the suggestion on looking for a certified physical therapy program for PR. Didn’t know there was such!

Are you getting prepared to Lace up for Lungs on Friday, October 9th?  Exercise is one of the best tools ⚒️ in our lung health toolbox 🧰. Below is information on this exciting event and how you can participate. https://www.copdfoundation.org/Take-Action/Get-Involved/Lace-Up-for-Lungs.aspx

Karen,

You are most welcome! Good luck at your appointment today. Being prepared for an appointment is empowering. I am glad you found this site. You are certainly not alone on your journey. Katie 

Thank you so much! That information is very helpful. I hope to speak to my dr today and will ask those questions. I’m so thrilled to have this outlet. I was very disappointed when I discovered the MAI infection was back, but it is comforting to know other people are out there facing the same challenges. 👍

Karen,

Hello!  Aspergillus or Penicillium on a sputum culture can be very frightening to say the least —especially when you are already facing a second NTM infection.

A positive fungal culture does not automatically mean you have a serious fungal infection that requires antifungal medication. Fungi can sometimes colonize damaged airways without actually causing disease. Colonized means that they are present but not causing infections.

If Aspergillus is repeatedly found—particularly when symptoms or CT findings are worsening—it deserves careful evaluation. Questions to discuss with your doctor: 

• Could this represent colonization or true fungal disease?

• Should I have specific labs done- referred to as the Aspergillus-specific IgE, Aspergillus IgG, total IgE and eosinophils labs.

• Does my CT scan show changes that could suggest Aspergillus-related disease?

• Should a specialist, infectious-disease physician review the results?

Your doctors may need to look at the whole picture—symptoms, sputum cultures, blood tests and CT imaging—rather than treating one laboratory result in isolation.

Yes, a second NTM infection plus a fungal finding can certainly feel overwhelming . Knowledge gives us power—and a plan in place gives us hope. I hope this helps. Try to get some rest. We are here for you. Please keep us posted. 

Energy Management: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Many of us experience fatigue as a result of our lung conditions. Unfortunately, there’s no magic, safe pill that can regularly boost our energy levels. But we can make everyday tasks easier by finding ways to conserve our energy and work more efficiently.

Here are a few tips to help you be more efficient with your lungs and your energy:

🔹 Space out your activities. Break larger jobs into smaller steps. Alternate more strenuous activities with periods of rest and try to tackle the more demanding tasks earlier in the day when your energy may be higher.

🔹 Organize your storage and work areas. Excessive bending, reaching, and stretching can increase fatigue. Keep frequently used items within easy reach and store things close to where you use them most.

🔹 Eliminate unnecessary steps. Plan to avoid extra trips. For example, when preparing a meal, gather everything you need from the refrigerator and pantry before you begin. Prepare everything in one area, then move to the stove and, finally, to the table.

🔹 Look for simple shortcuts. When appropriate, use paper plates or other disposable items to reduce washing. Reduce dust-collecting clutter and consider quickly wiping down the tub or shower after each use to make cleaning easier later.

🔹 Keep your environment comfortable. Good ventilation can help. Strong cooking odors, perfumes, and steam may make breathing more difficult. Staying cool can also help conserve energy, since your heart and lungs have to work harder in a warm environment.

💡 The goal isn’t to do less—it’s to make everyday activities easier on your body.

Let’s avoid wasting valuable energy when we don’t have to. Create your own shortcuts, simplify your routines, and find what works best for you.

Do you have a favorite shortcut, energy-saving tip, or time-saving idea? Share it with the community! 💙

Magg,

It was a great question- you are most welcome! Katie 

Thank you

Hi Cjack,

At one time, Vanderbilt had a reputation for having good program, but most living in rural areas had difficulty participating due to distance and traffic.  An alternative might be to check into a certified pulmonary rehab physical therapy program. The local American Lung Association might be able to guide you.     

Christina,

You are most welcome! Yes, I heard that World Oxygen Day , led by the COPD Foundation was an incredible success this year. Educating people around the world and working on providing access to oxygen for people in need is a great gift, especially in the undeserved areas of the world. 

Thanks for posting! I hear WOD was a huge success this year. It was wonderful to see recognition of this day expand to more areas of the world. Congrats to the planning team! 

Hi Cjack! 

I haven't tried acupuncture, but I have had a few friends who have tried it for chronic pain and joint discomfort. They really liked it in the beginning but felt that the results they received started to diminish over time. It is possible that it could be one of those things that you try intermittently vs going back regularly.... not sure. I'd have to do more research to make a stronger recommendation. However, if you give it a shot, please report back to the community on your results. I am sure there are more here considering acupuncture as an option. Best, Christina

Hello! Are you familiar with the 🥄 Spoon Theory? If you live with bronchiectasis or NTM lung disease, you may have days when even the simplest things feel tiring. That’s where Spoon Theory can help explain what “limited energy” really means. Imagine waking up with a certain number of spoons each day. 🥄 Each spoon represents a little bit of physical, mental, or emotional energy.

• Taking medications? 🥄

• Doing airway clearance? 🥄

• Going to a medical appointment? 🥄

• Working or caring for your family? 🥄

• Dealing with coughing, fatigue, or a difficult day? 🥄🥄

Some days, you have more spoons. Other days, you start the day with very few. And when your spoons are gone, they’re gone. Rest isn’t laziness. Saying “no” isn’t selfish. Canceling plans doesn’t mean you don’t care. Your body may simply be telling you it needs to conserve what energy it has at that moment.

💙 Living with bronchiectasis and NTM often means learning to spend your spoons intentionally. It is not easy to adapt to such a change, but one can adapt to such a change over time.

• Save some for what matters most; prioritize your needs.

• Permit yourself to rest.

• Ask for help when you need it.

• And remember: your worth isn't measured by how much you accomplish in a day.

To everyone navigating bronchiectasis, NTM, or another chronic illness: your limited energy is real, even when others can't see it. BNTM is usually an “invisible" disease to most people. Do you feel misunderstood on the days when your energy is not up to par? Please share an experience with the community.

Please share this information on the Spoon Theory with a friend or family member so they may have a better understanding of what you are experiencing. 🥄💙

Delia,

Thank you for your great reminder to rest/ recover between workouts. Our bodies learn to identify what types of workouts we can and cannot handle over time. 

I agree with all that Katie has shared, and I wanted to add one more consideration - allow your body enough time to rest/recover in between workouts. 

Magg,

Increasing movement is the best way to increase your VO2.

Get your heart pumping. You can improve your VO₂ max by doing any aerobic exercise that gets your heart pumping - the more vigorous, the better. If you're not currently active, walking may be vigorous enough to trigger improvements in your VO₂ max score.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a fast and effective way to increase VO₂ max. Try doing an interval training workout several times per week, interspersed with slower, longer-duration activities if you are able to do so.

Switch up your workout routine. Your body is constantly adapting. If you were primarily a swimmer, consider cycling instead. If you usually train at a slow, steady pace, ramp things up. If you usually work out for 30 minutes, add 10 minutes to your routine if you are able to do so. All of these changes force your body to work harder to adapt.

Lose weight- relative VO₂ max is measured relative to your weight, simply losing weight can boost your VO₂ max.

i hope that this is helpful.

* Harvard Health 

CJack,

I am sorry that the pulmonary rehab program associated with the center was not up to par. You can share more details by emailing contactus@bronchandntm.org if you would like us to investigate further. I do hope that you find the right center.

Magg,

You are most welcome! I hope that you get this issue resolved soon. 

Thank you

Magg,

Hello! Coughing during meals may be related to reflux, postnasal drainage, increased saliva/secretions, or simply irritation of the throat.

Repeated coughing during or immediately after eating or drinking can sometimes be a sign of swallowing difficulty. Talk with your healthcare provider if you continue to notice:

• Frequent coughing or choking with meals
• A “gurgly” voice after swallowing
• Shortness of breath while eating
• Food or liquids seeming to “go down the wrong way”
• Recurrent respiratory infections

A swallowing evaluation can help determine what is occurring and what, if anything, can be done to make eating and drinking safer.

Tracking when the coughing happens and whether it is associated with solids, liquids or certain foods is good data to have available for an appointment with your healthcare provider. I hope this helps. 

You are most welcome! 

Does snyonevhavexsny suggestions yo increase vo2 level

Thanks! Sorry to say but I actually receive my pulmonary care at a BNTM Center. One of the rehab programs I attended was at that very medical center. Btw, I was completely unaware that it is a BNTM Center. Only learned recently about BNTM Centers and that I am already receiving my care from one through this website! Don’t quite know what to make of that!

Cjack

Thanks!

CJack,

Hello! Below is a blog article on Energy Management for BNTM patients. I hope that you can get a few useful tips from this article: https://social.bronchandntm.org/articles/blog/Energy-Management-The-Key-to-Living-with-NTMBronchiectasis

Thank you