Discussions

I was diagnosed over 12 years ago with MAI and bronchiectasis. After having been to several doctors, I am going to one now that is treating me for asthma. I feel good using Symbicort but wonder if I should have more extensive testing to see if I still have MAI or if I should leave well enough alone. Help!

Can someone direct me to very general information on Bronchiectasis that I can share with friends who have never heard of the disease, but want to learn more?

Some of the descriptions out there on the web are lengthy and confusing - and I want to make sure I direct friends to comprehensive and accurate information!

Looking for a doctor in Dallas who specializes in bronchiectasis

Can anyone recommend a really good nebulizer for inhaling hypertonic saline solution? One that nebulizes pretty quickly, puts out a lot of "saline vapor," effective in getting the "gunk" out.

Thanks

Laura

Hi - found this site today and hope i can find a few answers - I have been on a quest to find the best place to live in the USA that is less likely to cause illness to people with bronchiectasis / NTM - also I would like to let the medical community realize that once you give a patient a diagnosis. of bronchiectasis the conversation should include what this means in the future for other illnesses that having bronc. makes you more apt to contract - i was officially dig in 2005 with bronch. after years of symptoms and now have been on meds for a year for NTM / MAI - I have been treated for puesdomonas also - I have been told that where I live is full of NTM but no one has any answers as to a better place - I found a little info on a medicare map of state with high NTM - I live on the east coast of Fl. and was told by my Dr. that this is about the worst place - any info would be great - hope this site is helpful for this community as we need some much needed answers about what life is like beyond diagnosis - thanks to all - norma

NTM is short for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria. NTM are naturally occurring environmental bacteria that can cause lung disease. The bacteria are widely found in the environment. More information about NTM can be found in the “What is NTM?” section of this website: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/What-is-NTM.

To determine whether you have an NTM lung infection, your doctor needs to perform specific tests: an acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear and culture of the sputum from your lungs, and a high-resolution CT scan without contrast.

I am just beginning to learn about bronchiectasis and engage in the bronch and NTM community. Is Bronchiectasis the same as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?