Discussions

How to deal with

chronic cough

I have used the acapella, the flute, the aerobics and the vest in the past. There are pros and cons of each device. Below is information on airway clearance devices. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Coping-with-Airway-Mucus/Airway-Clearance-Devices

I had some blood issues when nebulizing 7% saline, so I started diluting it about 50/50 with .9% saline. Since then there has been little or no blood. Coughing blood can be scary. My docs want me to go to the ER if I cough a tablespoon or more. I don't currently use an Aerobika or an acappella, but I do use an incentive spirometer, which helps strengthen the lungs without vibration. Best of luck to you.

Probiotics play a crucial role in maintaining digestive health, immunity, and overall well-being. Choosing the right probiotic tailored to women’s specific needs can provide long-term health benefits.

https://www.deccanherald.com/dhsponsored-health/be...

The link below provides information on good nutrition and food apps: https://www.myplate.gov/

The link below, from the Cleveland Clinic differentiates probiotics from prebiotics: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/prebiotics-vs-probiotics-whats-the-difference

Hi,,

I will be traveling soon and want a recommendation for a portable nebulizer. My searches have brought up info from 7-8 years ago.

Can anyone recommend a newer portable nebulizer?
thanks

More research is now being conducted on the relationship between our guts and chronic lung diseases; this research , the Gut / Lung Microbiome has really expanded over the past 9 years.

Dysbiosis is the imbalance of good and bad bacteria within our guts. Dysbiosis can lead to chronic inflammation and the worsening of chronic respiratory conditions. The link below explains this further in greater depth: https://theconversation.com/how-the-health-of-your-lungs-is-linked-to-the-bacteria-in-your-gut-234515

A 24 hour pH Impedance Test is a Gastrointestinal diagnostic test to check your upper Gastrointestinal system for issues such as GERD. The link below, from John Hopkins reviews the details of this test: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/24-hour-ph-impedance-testing

An upper endoscopy, also referred to as an EGD is a diagnostic test to see if an individual has acid reflux/ Gerd. The link below reviews the basics of this diagnostic test: https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd-endoscopy#treatment

The blog article below reviews the Basics of Acid Reflux vs. Gerd. The article includes a list of “ Do’s and Don’t s for Respiratory Patients with Acid Reflux/ Gerd: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/47/The-Basics-of-Acid-Reflux

The educational video below, presented by Dr.Gwen Huitt reviews the medical management of GERD/ Acid Reflux. Great tips on preventative measures are provided in this video

:ntmir webinar series Medical Management of GERD with Dr. Gwen Huitt

The article below, is based on an interview reviewing 7 tips to lessen Acid Reflux , with Dr. Gwen Huitt, ( retired from National Jewish Health. https://cysticfibrosisnewstoday.com/social-clips/a-specialists-7-tips-for-preventing-reflux-and-aspiration/

For the first time, my culture showed the presence of Pseudomonas. :-(

How do I weig the pros and cons of to attempt eradication?

Any exercise is better than no exercise for individuals who have lung disorders The link below reviews the benefits of exercise for the BNTM patient: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Exercise

Chronic illness can take a toll on one’s mental health. The comprehensive article below offers some helpful suggestions to assist you with your mental health goals: https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-stop-taking-yourself-so-seriously?slot_pos=article1&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=pcweekly&utm_content=2025-01-22&apid=&rvid=94a84db5178149857828ced51c5f2056ff605e1649ff4cd9cb2111133e73b49f

There are a lot more available resources to assist one with mental health challenges. Mental health can impact our physical health. Media coverage has expanded on mental health challenges since the pandemic, psych telehealth is now available. The link below, from the Cleveland Clinic reviews the different types of depression, the symptoms and treatment: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/929...

I’ve started treatment for PA mucoid variant. My pulmo chose Cipro monotherapy. I was inspired by those who commented about this as common and about treatments that worked to “eradicate” or at least minimize it as an issue for them. The literature about mucoid PA is discouraging so I wanted more info on this if anyone can help. I also wouldn’t mind info on monotherapy Cipro vs addition of inhaled colistin or tobramycin. Feel pretty lousy but airway clearance helps. Thanks so much, Chri

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!

Your involvement can make a substantial impact by offering important information into the daily lives of those living with bronchiectasis (without cystic fibrosis), also known as Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis (NCFBE), and their family members. This information may potentially improve medical care, and greater awareness among healthcare providers and policymakers. By sharing your responses, you can help foster meaningful change for adults living with NCFBE.

Visit https://bronchiectasis-burden.com/us/ to share your voice!

Hi all,

I just found this site after a late night googling rabbit hole. I'll try not be too long-winded.

I was diagnosed last year, after a bout of pneumonia, which led to an incidental finding on an xray and then ct scan. At first my Respirologist mentioned mild bronchiectasis (which my new NTM specialist says she doesn't even see), but it also looked like there was infection, which was only diagnosed through a biopsy in August. The NTM I have is m. xenopi, which I have found some research on, but also sounds like a bad one to have.

I have no symptoms (other than feeling tired, which I have felt my whole life). Actually, since all this happened, I have been less sick, and felt better overall than ever... the first thing respirologist did was take me off steroid puffers, and I have surprisingly been breathing great for 7 months, and just tested negative on the methacoline challenge (apparently no asthma).

My issue now is the idea of starting treatment. I initially didn't want to, since I wasn't sick and I imagine the experience on antibiotics for a year and a half will make me sick, but the new specialist strongly suggests starting, as I am young, and this can just keep growing. I will note that I have two cavitary areas (I think they're maybe small, but everything I've read about this scares the crap out of me). For now we have agreed to rescan in the next 1-3 months (last scan was 6 months ago), to have more info and updated imaging and if it has gotten worse, to start meds.

I am also frustrated and overwhelmed as we do not know why I ended up with ntm, but the current theory is immune dysfunction, as evidenced by history of asthma, eczema and food allergies. The specialist also wonders if I have some genetic component linked to CF (which I also thought of after doing more reading), but that it isn't worth testing for and it probably won't show up.

I already started with lifestyle changes, including avoiding all steam (which I used to engage with regularly), trying to boil/treat most of my drinking water, and tried using aerobika and airway clearance techniques (but I never bring up anything).

At this point I am feeling hopeless, even though the Dr's tell me I'm young and will tolerate it fine, and will likely be able to get rid of the infection.

Curious to hear from anyone about their experience, especially anything positive/hopeful, and specifically from anyone on the younger side who treated without any symptoms.

Thanks so much for listening.

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Below is information from the CDC on pneumonia vaccines. You may be due for a repeat injection, after 5 years if you were under 65 when you received your first pneumonia vaccine . Please discuss the timeframe with your doctor: https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/hcp/vaccine-recommendations/index.html

The link below reviews the signs of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D plays a key role in our immune system and is especially important for individuals with chronic health conditions. https://www.medicinenet.com/14_signs_of_vitamin_d_deficiency/article.htm

The link below from the CDC offers detailed information on this subject: https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/reduce-your-risk-from-respiratory-viruses-this-holiday-season.html#cdc_generic_section_2-now-is-the-time-to-take-action