Discussions
Discussions
General Discussion
Health care providers use these term frequently. The article below , from the Cleveland Clinic defines the terms, hypoxia, hypoxemia, their causes , symptoms and treatment options: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17727-hypoxemia
Below is an article from Harvard Health on the advantages and disadvantages of telehealth: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/telehealth-the-advantages-and-disadvantages
We would love to hear your comments on both the pros and cons of telehealth from your experiences.
Late fall is the best time to get the RSV vaccine. Below is information from the CDC on this vaccine. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/vaccine-clinical-guida...
Fluzone is the stronger flu vaccine recommended for people over the age of 65, those on long term immunosuppressants and transplant patients. I usually get my vaccination in mid October; it can take a few weeks to reach a higher level of effectiveness in your body. Below is detailed information on the Fluzone vaccine : https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccine-types/flu-zone.html#cdc_generic_section_2-people-who-can-receive-fluzone-high-dose-vaccine
A few vaccinations just have initials , not a completely spelt out name. The link below, from the CDC reviews vaccination recommendations throughout our lifeand the diseases that they protect us against. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-schedules/downloads/adults-schedule-easy-read.pdf
Below is an excellent webinar, designed for respiratory therapists. You can listen and learn a lot from this video if you are not a respiratory therapist. Elevating Awareness of Bronchiectasis
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0RBqnIu-tw&t=1s
Get the latest information on diagnosis, treatments, and ongoing care strategies for bronchiectasis.
Let us know if you have any specific questions,
It is good to have a tool for guidance in the management of NTM Lung Disease. The link below provides information and the tool that you can print out and use regularly. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/DownloadsLibrary/Files/NTM_Management_Tool.pdf
It has been extremely warm on the East Coast over the past week. Weather reports can be confusing for many people. Humidity numbers may not be too high but the dew points are high. The How to Geek link below differentiates the two terms, humidity and dew point to explain how it really feels. https://www.howtogeek.com/733421/forget-humidity-dew-point-is-how-it-really-feels-outside/
The NTM Lung Disease Management Tool can assist you on your NTM journey: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/DownloadsLibrary/Files/NTM_Management_Tool.pdf
Below is the link: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/DownloadsLibrary/Files/ActionPlanEnglish.pdf
The plan will assist you on your Bronchiectasis journey. Let us know if you have any specific questions.
The link below provides a calculator to determine the heat index.
Please take action steps, in advance to keep cool, well hydrated and stocked up on any medications you may need.
https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/html/heatindex.shtml
Please assist our BNTM community in increasing public awareness of Bronchiectasis.
Sign up for our awareness toolkit. Help us raise awareness in your own network with our free toolkit. It's packed with social media posts, resources, and tips to help you spread the word.
I occasionally get blood in the sputum. For severe cases my pulmonologist prescribes antibiotics, but this time it is not that severe, and seems to be getting better.
Can this issue resolve on its own??
Many caregivers need to be reminded that they must take care of themselves as well as the person that they are caring for. Similar to the being a person on an airplane, it is important to be reminded that you must put the mask on yourself properly before we can take care of others. The link below offers support and guidance for caregivers: https://www.helpguide.org/family/caregiving/family-caregiving
Knowledge is power. The more you know about a particular disease and how it impacts an individual, the better you will be prepared as a caregiver.
We host a monthly online BNTM Coffee Social support group on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 3pm, EST. Detailed information about upcoming meeting topic and how to register is posted on this site the week before the meeting.
Additionally, there are support groups throughout the world. Please see the link below.
This tool assists individuals to manage their Bronchiectasis. The tool outlines steps for daily management and provides guidance on what to do if symptoms increase: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/DownloadsLibrary/Files/ActionPlanEnglish.pdf
The link below reviews the diagnostic tests used to determine whether or not a patient has an Aspergillosis infection: https://fightfungus.org/diagnostic-testing-aspergillosis/
I have intermittent asthma, resulting in an onset of wheezing, which often occurs with severe weather changes. The symptoms of asthma are often confused with a respiratory flare-up. The symptoms of asthma may lead one to be anxious, fearing that they are getting a respiratory infection / NTM or worsening of their Bronchiectasis when it could be asthma. Asthma may be short-term for many individuals and treated with an inhaler or nebulizer.
Below is an article from the Mayo Clinic on the basics of asthma:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653
I have intermittent asthma, resulting with an onset of wheezing, and occurring severe weather changes . The symptoms of asthma are often confused with a respiratory flare up. The symptoms of asthma may lead one to be anxious, fearing that they are getting a respiratory infection / NTM or worsening of their Bronchiectasis when it could be asthma. Asthma maybe short term for many individuals and treated with an inhaler or nebulizer.
Below is an article from the Mayo Clinic on the basics of asthma:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653
There are many causes of post nasal drip, including sinus infections and allergies. The link below reviews the basics of post nasal drip and the treatment options: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/167/Postnasal-Drip-in-the-Bronchiectasis-Patient
Stress and strong emotions can present with respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath and rapid breathing, as the airway between the nose and the lungs constricts. For people without respiratory disease, this is generally not a problem as the body can manage the additional work to breathe comfortably, but psychological stressors can exacerbate breathing problems for people with pre-existing respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
This tool assists you to identify, track your symptoms so you are able to communicate more effectively with your health care provider. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/DownloadsLibrary/Files/NTM_Management_Tool.pdf
Please let us know if you have any specific questions.
The link to the Bronchiectasis Action Plan tool may assist you in tracking your symptoms and communicating effectively with your health care provider. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/DownloadsLibrary/Files/ActionPlanEnglish.pdf
The link below reviews the basics of inhaler and nebulizer usage: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Inhaled-Medicines
Please let us know if you have any specific questions.
Below is an article that reviews tips on how to deal with seasonal allergies: https://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/how-to-get-ahead-of-allergy-season-this-spring/
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. We make every effort to support our members, our medical professionals cannot and will not provide a diagnosis or suggest a specific medication; those decisions should be left to your personal medical team. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with COPD, please consult a physician before making changes to your own COPD management plan.
Community posts are monitored by the 360social Community Manager, as well as staff respiratory therapists, educators, and other medical professionals.