Discussions

Does anyone else get relief in the following two ways:

1. When I get phlegm stuck in my throat, I can sometimes get it loose with the use of Ricola cough drops (the original, not the sugar free)

2. Prior to bedtime, I use Neilmed saline rinse, but not in the usual way. I remove the tube from the bottle, and tilt my head back and squeeze the solution into my nostrils while gently breathing in. I usually wash out some gunky yellow stuff, and it makes getting to sleep much easier.

The link below reviews the different sources of mental health support, in person, on line, and the different types of facilities where m:https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/ss/cm/slideshow-where-to-get-mental-health-help

Cold, dry air may lead to increased mucus production. This is certainly the time of the year to do airway clearance regularly to avoid respiratory infections. The article below reviews the impact of dry air on our respiratory tract. https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/its-almost-winter-heres-how-cold-weather-affects-your-breathing/

Below are 11 tips to assist you to deal with anxiety: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/11-tips-for-coping-with-an-anxiety-disorder

Hello! Below is an excellent, heartfelt article written by Amanda Atkinson, RN,MS on Caregiving. Multiple links to resources are included in the article. https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Community/Questions-and-Answers/Checking-In-On-Those-Who-Check-In-On-Us.aspx

The link below is the list of the top probiotics in 2023: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-probiotic-supplement

How have people tolerated Clofazimine (Lamprene) and/or Amikacin?

I need help in learning how to use the oxygen tanks in case of an emergency, in cleaning canulas and tubing, in finding aids to help me manage the long tubing and getting around the house, and advice on what other equipment to buy for help with using my portable oxygen concentrator in New York city.

Has anyone used a retractable tubing device for long tubing connected to their oxygen machine, so that I do not trip over it?

Has anyone found an insurance company in Medicare Part D that will cover Tyvaso DPI?

This question was recently asked at a BNTM Coffee Social Event

Since NTM is EVERYWHERE, how much caution is required to avoid exposure to NTM if you have bronchiectasis?

KATIE: Basic precautions to avoid aerolized / inhaled NTM should be taken. Below is a video on your risks of NTM. We can speak with you in greater detail if you wish. John: call us at 833-411-5864.

Video Link: What Is NTM & Are You at Risk? https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo...

Ongoing stress can take a toll on our health and our immune systems Below is a stress screening test that you can take and get the results at completion of the test. https://psychcentral.com/quizzes/stress-test

The article below reviews 16 ways to cope with stress. Can you identify a few that work best for you?

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-ways-relieve-stress-anxiety#15.-Spend-time-with-a-pet

Below is a depression screener test and information on depression:https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/depression-screening

This question was recently asked at a BNTM Coffee Social.

Katie: Your doctor may want to monitor you if you are not symptomatic since the antibiotics themselves may present great side effects.

Christina: The decision to start treatment is preferred yet depends on several factors, whether the NTM is causing damage to the lungs, advantages/possible risks of therapy, a person’s wish to start treatment after discussing it with their doctor, and the goals of treatment. Some physicians may choose to watch and wait to see if the patient becomes symptomatic as Katie mentioned above.* I would weigh all options.

John: Starting airway clearance may be a good way of reducing the effect of your MAC and preventing it from getting worse.

*Reference: Daley CL, Iaccarino JM, Lange C, et al. Treatment of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease: an official ATS/ERS/ESCMID/IDSA clinical practice guideline. Eur Respir J. 2020;56(1):2000535. Published 2020 Jul 7. doi:10.1183/13993003.00535-2020

Below is basic information on the RSV vaccination: https://www.singlecare.com/blog/rsv-vaccine/?utm_source=braze-sc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=10.20_Newsletter&lid=o2f3jolfejv4

This question was recently asked at a BNTM Coffee Social.

Christina: Katie is correct on that. I believe if the statistic is if you have had NTM before, you are almost 50% more likely to develop the infection again.* This doesn’t mean that you might get the same strain again. It could mean that you are also more susceptible to other types of NTM as well.

John: This is because your bronchiectasis creates a perfect environment for NTM to breed. There is ongoing research linking certain genetic mutations to one’s inability to process NTM. Those who have this mutation can look forward to reinfection.

*Reference: Wallace RJ Jr, Brown-Elliott BA, McNulty S, et al. Macrolide/Azalide therapy for nodular/bronchiectatic mycobacterium avium complex lung disease. Chest. 2014;146(2):276-282. doi:10.1378/chest.13-2538

This question was asked by one of our community members at a recent BNTM Coffee Social.

KATIE: Yes, a lot of patients do get nauseous and are unable to eat while on multiple or single antibiotics. Medications are available that may stimulate your appetite. Ginger ale, ginger root, ginger chews, and or anti-nausea medication are available. Mouth rinses, hard candies, and Biotene can be used if you are experiencing dry mouth/ unpleasant metallic taste. Maintenance of weight is of utmost importance. Have you tried boost, ensure, or Scanti shakes?

Christina: I would add that when someone is hungry and/or able to eat, capitalize on the calorie and protein content and try to pick foods that are high in both. That way you are getting the most bang for your buck. Highly nutritious foods don’t have to be bulky.

The link below from NAMI provides details on a list of commonly used medications for mental health issues such as depression:https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications

Below is a link on the different types of anxiety and treatment discussions https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Anxiety-Disorders

Test Answer.

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Below is a review of the most common symptoms of the flu, RSV, Covid 19:https://www.labcorp.com/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-news-education/covid-19-vs-flu-vs-rsv-how-tell-difference

I’m waiting for the April social notes but am really struggling with the sanitizing piece of this twice daily ritual. Right now I’m boiling at home 5-10 minutes. Air dry. Does anyone use cold sanitizing procedures? Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or perhaps chlorhexidine? How often do you change your solutions if so? I just feel nervous about any future infections. I just started Azithromycin & will add Rifampin this evening & Ethambutol next week; MAC cultures positive after a bilobectomy 5/3/23. Thanks for input

I have bronchiectasis. What is the consensus on getting the new Covid vaccine that came out in September. I read several articles that found the vaccine gave lung problems to some individuals.

Thank you.

Tahoe

Can a diagnosis of bronchiectasis and NTM be made based on a chest x-ray alone?

- Thanks!