Discussions
Discussions
Water / Environmental Precautions
Hello! I have great news to report on the time required to boil water to get rid of NTM. Jennifer Honda, PhD ,BNTM water expert presented an update at the recent NTMir Patent Conference. The research study, referred to as the BANTER study, Boiling Assessment of NTM in Tap Water Evaluation Regional, included top BNTM experts throughout the country including Dr. Joseph Falkinham , National Jewish Health and 7 other BNTM experts. The new recommendation is to boil water for 3 minutes!!! Wow! What a time saver. We don’t have to be concerned about boiling water for 10-15 minutes anymore when we are at home and or out and about. I look forward to hearing more positive updates that will lessen the time we need for daily therapies.
If you have answered yes, please read the article below on the potential impact of wood burning stoves on your lung function: https://respiratory-therapy.com/public-health/healthcare-policy/environmental-news/indoor-wood-burning-linked-to-lung-function-decline/?utm_term=RT%20Five%20Oct%202025&utm_campaign_type=newsletter&utm_hsid=346581813&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-85hgtJ6I440gEgnDZGLOjgGLtTye-tO0pFFlIt7LxyZ1kbNByhjdT_QAZDsTGUwW9sa2Fs6hl8gvPi8cxwEL05lYRuXQ&_hsmi=383913554&utm_source=newsletter
Poor air quality can really take a toll on respiratory patients, leading to increased inflammation, wheezing, shortness of breath in some individuals. The link below provides a guide for you to better understand the different air quality flags: https://document.airnow.gov/air-quality-guide-for-particle-pollution.pdf
I only have Bronchiectasis, not NTM
We live off-grid. Does anyone know if NTM bacteria can be found in rainwater.
The information below is taken from a paper, Reducing Environmental Exposure to NTM, by Joseph Falkinham, PhD, May 3rd, 2021
Flush and Run Water in Unused Lines to Reduce Water Age. Water age refers to the time water stays in pipes in houses. The average water age in household plumbing is 1-3 days. Residence of water for over 3 days leads to a loss of disinfectant and the resulting growth of NTM and other waterborne pathogens. Increased water age can occur in plumbing in areas of a house that are unused; for example, in an unused bathroom or unoccupied wing of a house. The solution is simple, have someone not at risk for NTM disease to flush commodes and run water (5 min) in taps in unused bathrooms and in seldom used laundry tubs, half baths, and outside faucets.
Having another family member or friend flush the system will reduce your exposure to NTM. Enjoy your getaway.
It is recommended that you unscrew the showerhead and submerge it in undiluted bleach for 30 minutes. Remove it from the bleach and rinse before screwing it back on the shower tap.
It is also recommended to replace the showerhead with one that produces fat streams, not a mist.
Many “low-flow” showerheads produce a fine mist that contains droplets with high numbers of NTM; small enough to enter the alveoli of your lungs. Replace such a “low flow” or misting showerhead with one that has large holes (greater than 1 mm diameter).
Joe Falkinham’s paper on Reducing Exposure to NTM, 202
Increased humidity- moisture in the air can affect how many respiratory patients feel on a rainy day. The blog article below reviews the impact of weather changes on our bodies: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/54/Why-Weather-can-Worsen-your-Lung-Condition
Happy New Year! I am curious if anyone else with Bronchiectasis/NTM washes their hair in the kitchen sink instead of the shower. After my first hospital experience 3+ years ago, I recall being told to avoid steam and the aerosols from the shower as much as possible. Therefore, I take super quick cool showers and have been washing my hair in the sink ever since. Any thoughts on this since it is a lot easier to wash your hair in the shower! Thanks!
I have done some reading on hydrogen inhalation therapy. There are references to it being helpful with lung problems and covid, but not specifically to NTM. I have been trying inhaled hydrogen and drinking hydrogenated water for a few weeks and I think it may be helping. Is there any research on this or has anyone else tried it?
Background: I have had NTM for almost 5 years, I've never had a successful culture so don't take any drugs.
The blog article blow reviews how weather changes, especially increasing humidity and dew point can impact respiratory patients:
https://social.bronchandntm.org/articles/blog/Why-Weather-can-Worsen-your-Lung-Condition
Environmental factors play a big part in Bronchiectasis and NTM. How do your activities change with the seasons? What are some new activities/hobbies you are doing with more daylight and warmer weather?
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